We turned up bright and early, our preparation was sharp and disciplined, we had a good group and we started on the front foot - until some bright spark called for a 2nd minute change to to an underweight, non-regulation match ball. Seconds later a direct free-kick from an impossible +40 yards out sailed between Nicolo and the crossbar and all our early promise was undone. I blame the players concerned for interfering and the referee for allowing a change from a ball to a balloon that had not been inspected.
It was great credit to Nicolo that he went on to compose himself and to settle into the game. It needs a strong character to get straight between the sticks when you dont even know your team mates. Although he was never really tested as a shot stopper and some of his play of the line was heart stopping his handling, footwork and distribution was good and he came out on top of 5 one on ones when they were favourites to score - that kept us in the game and competing for the full 90 minutes so well done Nicolo and welcome to our world.
Injuries to Glen, Kyle and Billy robbed us of three natural defenders and two of our established alternative centrebacks. With Chippy only available for the first 45 he was shuffled to right back and Josh dropped in as centre half for the full 90 for the first time this season - well done. Despite the early set back we clawed our way back and the game settled into a pattern which ran through pretty much the entire period with us dominating possession but never actaually controlling the game or really threatening and Manuden content to allow us to play in front of a confident back four and then by passing midfield by playing on the break.
On our part Kim and Ben were never able to hold the ball under pressure so we had very little link up from the central areas and they both lacked the yard of pace to get in behind - we never tested the 'keeper. Jack and Dan both huffed and puffed without ever hitting the heights and they both struggled to find their game. Kim and Olli were switched 12 minutes before the interval to try to inject some top end pace. In the 35th minute Josh dwelt on the ball and drifted right with ball at feet, eventually he was closed down and lost possession, a quick cross to the far post was easily netted for 2-0. It was always a calculated risk and other than that Josh was strong, calm and well placed for most of the game. We responded immediately with a flowing move down our left, a quick inter-change between Kim and Bowles released Sam, his prodded ball was taken on by Olli who broke clear to drag it back to 1-2. The half ended with us on the front foot having been denied a cast iron pen we then won 4 corners and 5 Bowlers in the last 10 minutes but we didnt have the physical presence or guile to add to our tally.
Neil came in for Chippy at half time and we had every chance to squeeze a result. Unfortunately it wasnt to be. We had four gilt edged chances. Another bang on pen claim was waived away, Kim failed to connect with Bowles cross, Ben shot well but down the 'keepers throat and Bowles kneed the ball back to the 'keeper. Outside of that our decision making was pretty ordinary if not poor in the second period which was riddled with horrible individual errors. Too often players in possession failed to make the simple pass or failed cross to better placed players. Our ution was erratic with too many players conceding cheap possession with poor distribution. Their third goal which restored their two goal advantage with 15 to go came when we again dwelt on the ball and conceded soft possession leaving us hopelessly exposed down the left.
Mark G came on for Dan (inj) with 15 to go and we went 3-4-3. It made for a better climax to the game as we never gave up. Josh stretched his legs with a couple of back to front lung busters and Dazza bundled his way on a couple of typical runs but it was always a case of "nearly but not quite". There were a few plusses not least the fact that it took the final whistle to signal our defeat, well done for pressing 'til the end.
To win games in this division, particularly against the top teams (which we've already done) every player needs to bring his "A" game. We can shuffle good players into different positions, and win, as we do most weeks - good players can play pretty much most positions - but we cant win games unless every player is on-side doing the simple things well and often for 90 or more minutes. "Ordinary" is not good enough. Today we were found wanting and were beaten by a decent side but we win together and we lose together, nobody to blame, pick ourselves up, there's still two trophies to win.
