This week saw us build on last week's return to TEAM form. Kim ended up between the sticks for the full 90 and managed to swallow his disappointment about not getting a second half run out - mind you he looks like he's swallowed a lot more than that in his time out injured. Well done Kim - that's real leadership and he'll be leading on pitch next week. We were early, organised and focussed well before kick off and we took that organised edge into what turned out to be a tricky game.
In the fifth minute Josh went on a surging run and was brought down as he approached the box and Kyle's follow up free kick flew just wide. A minute later Chippy released Jack who's ball just eluded Kyle as the goal opened up. In the 8th Ryan made the first of a series of crutial interceptions and released Bowles on a long run which just ran out of legs as the box opened up. A minute later Josh fizzed in a low cross which just eluded Dazza as he slid in.
The first 10 minutes was pretty much the story of the game, we had loads of possession but just lacked a bit of refinement in terms of touch, control and decision making. A very poor pitch didnt help matters but we never let things get on top and frustrate us. The next 20/25 minutes saw some surging runs from Ryan and Bowles, some neat interchanges between Sam, Josh and Jack and Joel and Dazza working hard to close them out in the middle.
Jack was switched back to point man 5 minutes before the break and almost immediately in probably the best small passage of play in the game, his gamble in attacking the space was rewarded as he latched on to Sam's driven cross to slot home for 1-0. The breakthrough goal just ahead of half time was a killer.
We came out for the second half with good energy and as early as the 50th minute Josh was sent clear beyond their back four. He struck the ball well but perhaps too early giving the 'keeper a relatively easy stop. The game entered a bad tempered period with Kyle, Josh and Joel all lucky to escape bookings or worse. With half an hour to go Josh made way for Olli and Bowles was pulled inside to sit deeper as we started to close out the game. Olli's fresh legs and pace unnerved them and an interchange with Sam saw Sam set off on another dribbly chin run which ended with a reverse nutmeg and cross which was finished off by their own defender.
At 2-0 up with 15 to go Glen gave us some fresh energy on the right. They still looked dangerous and created and missed an easy chance to put the game back in the balance but we stayed discipled to see the game out.
We have to approach every game in this way with no fear and no thought of what comes next. We have to be focussed only on winning the game in front of us. We do that much better when every player is thinking only of the Team and the end result. There's no glory in a good individual performance and a bad result. First is First, Second is Nothing.
MOM Ryan - fantastic covering play and great decision making in breaking runs.
