We started brightly with Glen pressing in the middle earning himself possession and space to unleash an unstoppable 30 yard drive which flew into the top of the net. 2 minutes gone and 1-0 up. Two minutes later a long kick from Gary was headed on by Neil leaving Olli free but a decision to re-do the defender meant the opportunity to strike went begging and the move was repeated two minutes later with the same result.
In the 7th minute a sweeping interchange ended with Ryan unleashing a fierce 20 yarder which the 'keeper saved well. A moment of indiscipline from Chippy saw the award of a cheap penalty, 10 minutes gone and 1-1. The next 15 minutes saw us collapse in the middle of the park and only a string of fine saves from Gary kept us in the game. Despite having the wind we didnt earn our first corner until the 26th minute and it was hopelessly overhit. Three minutes later Olli found himself free in the box but the chance passed as he took time switching feet.
Too long on the ball was the story of the last 15 minutes of the first half, Kim failing to release runners and losing possession in 31st and 33rd minutes despite "man on" calls, Darryl going to ground as he ran out of ideas and steam before moving the ball on and Steve, our holding player, doing the same as well as running with ball at feet beyond everyone.
A hamstring saw Bill withdrawn for Nathan at half-time and Lee withdrawn for Kyle to deal with an anticipated 2nd half ariel bombardment. Kim was instructed to sit alongside Steve as 2nd holding player in a five man "W" - the only holding either player did was onto the ball. As quickly as two minutes after the re-start we conceded a really soft goal as we fluffed 4 chances to clear our lines. We re-grouped and two long throws from Nathan created 2 half chances but nothing more. In the 60th minute we failed to press in the central area and conceded a third to a long range strike.
Our only and best passage of play came in direct response when a 6 pass inter-change ended with cross from Neil headed at goal by Glen but without the power or direction to trouble the 'keeper. We looked devoid of ideas in the second period and as the game was drawing to a close Neil was withdrawn to allow Jack a return from injury. With three minutes to go a mistake from Nathan let them in to make it 4-1 from a 1-1 situation and a minute later a mistake from Olli ended the same way and we finished on the wrong end of a 5-1 beating.
This was not a title deciding game but it was one in which we were found wanting in some key areas.
Firstly, and most importantly, we lacked togetherness and team spirit. We win together and we lose together. If we dont support and encourage each other on the field we wont win anything. If we fail to acknowledge that we were beaten by a better side ON THE DAY we will never address our own shortcomings.This is a team game and we are a good team - playing as individuals we will win nothing.
Secondly we have to be responsible for our own discipline.The team cannot function and cannot win if individuals do not have the self control and discipline to play within the team shape and structure.
Thirdly, we have to earn the right to play and to work to impose our game. Turning up is not enough. Telling everybody that we should be playing in a higher division is not enough. Winning a treble last year is not enough. To "want it" you have to win the only game that matters - the game in front of you - if you dont you will end up as poor losers.
We have not become a bad side overnight but we have lost our way. Football's a great game - there's always next weekto put it right.
