Casuals were more than unlucky to meet up with 13 Associates ready for business at the sharp end of the season.
Once again we were rock solid at the back. Chippy, Ryan and Joel screened by Chris never looked like conceding and on another day this would have been a "clean sheet" performance. Kim slotted in next to Harry and together they dominated the central area whilst Jack and Olli gave the width and drive which unsettled Casuals leaving Kyle and Sam to rampage up front.
The critical breakthrough goal came after around 15 mins when Kim brought a sweeping team move to an end with a perfect cross which Kyle met on the rise with a precise header. We continued to dominate possession but were wasteful in front of goal - looking for the perfect opening and failing to register enough quality strikes. Sam eventually doubled our lead 15 mins before the interval when another sweeping team move was concluded with Olli's driven cross being rifled home on the volley by Sam.
Early in the second period a series of slick passes saw Sam add his second and our third when he slotted home Kim's pass from close range. Casuals were then in damage limitation mode and like last time switched Bradley to right back to counteract Sam. Kyle had taken a very heavy tackle just after the restart so our third goal was also the signal for a change with his withdrawal, Lee coming on and Ollie pushing higher up. The change was pretty seamless with Lee linking well with Joel and then Billl but a short period of unrelated poor play at the back and loss of concentration saw us concede a penalty, which was duly converted, and incur a cheap yellow card. At 3-1 Casuals lifted their game and pushed Bradley higher up again.
Olli responded with a superb solo goal when he turned two defenders cut inside and from 18 yards drove a fierce shot beyond the 'keeper. At 4 - 1 we were cruising and this was the chance to bring Bill on for Joel who'd put in a big performance despite a damaged heel. Bill once again made the change seamless and made several crutial late tackles. Another loss of concentration from Gary saw him do a "Robinson" just 5 minutes after needlessly rushing a clearance when not under pressure. Casuals strolled thro' to make it 4-2. The positive thing was Gary made his decision even tho' he got his ution wrong - it was a pity as Gary dominated his box well during the first period. Our indiscipline continued though when Sam picked up another needless yellow but at least we did not implode and Sam got his head down to bag his hat trick, our fifth and to kill off any lingering doubts.
Our individual performances and our team play are moving towards a peak at the business end of the season. If we can stay focussed and play one game at a time without getting ahead of ourselves we just might be rewarded for our team efforts. Its really important that we continue to function as a tight unit working hard to support each other all around the pitch.
Today was a powerful display of football played the right way - on another day it would have been nil at one end and double figures at the other but the objective is to score at least one more than the other side - we did that today in style with a smile, none more than MOM Ollie run close by just about everyone else (except Gary - come on Gary).
