The SSAFC started the new season with a 4-2 defeat away to Watford in a league/London Cup game in what was a close encounter but a case of Watford taking their chances and the SSAFC not.
The SSAFC started off brightly and took the lead when good hold up play from Pickett on the right found Rowe in the middle who unleashed an unstoppable 25 yard drive which went over the keeper and into the net to give the SSAFC the perfect start. The SSAFC backline started to have a bit of pressure from Watford but the backline stood firm, Watford then had their first effort which was tipped over by Peacock in goal, Watford then had a shot which took a deflection off Jackson which went wide.
The SSAFC then had good build up play and efforts from Pickett & Minnock went wide and over. Rowe then whipped in a wonderful cross which narrowly avoided the head of Bell who should have done better! Watford then got back in the game when their striker nutmegged Minnock and got fouled by Bell in the box resulting in a penalty which Peacock got a good hand but couldn't divert it wide to make it 1-1.
The SSAFC looked for a reaction and did with some good team play after the kickoff resulting in an effort from Chesworth which went wide, Watford then took the lead from a counter attack and after beating Minnock for pace, their striker rolled it back for their midfielder to slot into an empty net making it 2-1. The SSAFC kept the pressure up but lacked the shots on target and went in behind 2-1 at half time.
The second half started well for the SSAFC with some early pressure but Watford on the counter attack looked dangerous. The first real effort on target came from a corner which found Bell on the edge who's volley was well saved by the keeper. The SSAFC got hit then by a sucker punch when Watford attacked down the left and the ball slid into their winger who slotted past Peacock to make it 3-1.
The SSAFC kept making a fight of it with Chesworth having an effort well saved and Rowe having an effort tipped onto the bar and out. Rowe then had a good chance when put through on goal but the Watford keeper was on fine form and tipped it wide. From the resulting corner, the header back in from Chesworth hit the hand of the Watford defender resulting in a penalty which Rowe tucked away to make it 3-2.
It would be shortlived as Watford from the kick off attacked straight away and found their winger again who slotted home making it 4-2 and the hardwork of getting back in the game undone in a minute! The SSAFC carried on working away with Bell having a toepoke towards goal straight at the keeper and Rowe then hit a 30 yard free kick off the frame of the goal, it just wasn't going to be the SSAFC day!
The final whistle went and the SSAFC lost 4-2 on what was a frustrating Saturday morning but can take plenty of positives.
Team:
Peacock, Minnock, Bell, Barker, Jackson, Keem, Wedge, Chesworth, Carroll, Rowe (C), Pickett
Subs: Tutton, McKechnie
