Well, a long drive along the A27 took us to Eastbourne for our first County Cup game of the season.
Again I was on the phone all morning as players had let me down (well had other commitments too!!!) and I needed to put together a side that was solid at the back but with a cutting edge up front.
I know Loft and Joel L were touch and go as they carried knocks from the previous game and to be honest, as of first thing Saturday morning we didn't need them for the full 90 minutes.
The back four had 2 players in it that didn't show up and that gave Pad the opportunity to prove himself for 90 minutes in his previous role of centre back along side Stevo. Not a combination we have had at our disposal too many times this season.
That said, we had a solid start to the game and Ago and Andy were ready to come on at anytime if required.
We looked composed all over the park when we had the ball, Chinders and Dan were tearing their wide players apart down our right and Al was always in support of Joel on the left. It was clear to see that Joel didn't fancy hintting the ball with his right (injured) and his delivery with the left just didn't have enough on it to beat the first man.
Chinders with a couple of 'rash' challenges (would have been ok 15 years ago) really got the game buzzing.
Longy pinged an inch perfect pass through to Giles who sped past their backline to the right hand side of the box and crashed his shot across the keeper to put us 1-0 up. What a finish, nice work mate...
Surely, this set the tempo and this would keep us hungry for more.
Then, another Longy nightmare!!! Stevo had shepherded their dopey number 5 wide enough from goal that any shot he had would never be a test for 'Safe Hands'. WRONG!!!!!!!! Longy had a mare, went down to gather the ball in and it deflected into the bottom corner off his knee. I reckon it was cos the 34" shorts were too tight but who knows!!!! I am the only GAY in the village!
Then, with only a few minutes to go til we could calm ourselves with a drink and a chat at half time, we concede a free kick near the edge of our area. It is floated in and not dealt with and they had 3 players at the back post waiting to smash it past the helpless Longy. 1-0 up to 2-1 down in a matter of minutes.
Second half, other than Al's chance that was never offside from what I have heard, we offered very little. Can't say too much more really.
A quick summary:
Longy - 1 good save with the legs first half and a great assist. Another error and 2nd half distribution was shocking
Chinders - Always comfortable on the ball. Loose cannon when you lose it
Pad - Steady but pulled out of position by their centre forward too many times
Stevo - Solid display but a slight lack of passion in the second half to get forward
Rich - Work rate was good but too much to cover Joel as well as their forwards
Dan K - Worked hard but chose the wrong option too many times
Dan G - Not on the ball enough. Need to demand and command the centre of midfield
Al - As with Dan G, not on the ball enough. Good work rate
Joel L - Lost the ball too many times after some good running. Ran out of steam
Loft - Mobile first half but non existent second half. Nothing to feed off though
Giles - Endless work ethic over recent weeks and a really well taken goal
Ago - A couple of good touches in the last 20 mins
Andy - Dog sitting!!!!! Cheers for coming mate, will get you on next time!
Good night and god bless
Dafydd Long x
