Less than 24 hrs after coming out on top of a hard fought contest against Footprint Premiership Side, Old Street FC, we took to the field against local Premiership heavyweights SC Birchanger. This was a big ask being our fourth tough game in just 8 days and we didn't disappoint.
We set up with two holding players but there was nothing negative about our approach as we took the game to Birchanger - Olli, Sam and Kyle combined well but just lacked the luck and the guile to find the breakthrough. Birchanger provided stiff opposition and contested across the entire pitch so at times the match developed into a game of wills but at no stage did we concede ground.
At times we lacked a bit of our usual fluidity but this was to be expected as we adjusted to the early change with Lee's injury, guest players and returning players (who all did well), and worked through our fatigue. We created several good first half openings but lack of composure and rushed finishing meant we were never fully rewarded for our approach play. The second period was more of the same and just as it seemed as though we would draw a blank Olli got the bit between his teeth skinned two players and whipped a long range low curler just inside the post beyond the diving 'keeper - he deserved his winning goal for his all round committed MOM display.
As with yesterdays game this was a game won by our defensive qualities and this was probably the first time that we defended "professionally" from the front. Olli, Sam and Kyle pressed the 'keeper and back four at pace and with intelligence creating good possession on the back of forced errors. To compete and win at the higher levels this is first base. We can press from the front high up or we can concede the first third before setting about our business - we did both very well today.
The two holding midfielders Glen and Neil came into their own as the game progessed and their second half performances in particular had all the key ingrediants of defensive discipline and sensible distribution. Chippy and Bill, and Kyle when called upon, were rock solid and never looked like folding and behind them Gary looked good again. Kim and Ryan worked extremely hard for the full 90 and still found time to create good opportunities for themselves - both were unlucky.
We have an unbreakable will to win, talent (sometimes breath taking) and a fantastic team/squad ethic. If we can add a cold mentality where we can play through distractions (be it bizaare refereeing or opposition gamesmanship) we will be unstoppable. We have had a quality pre-season so far and what happened today doesn't change that. Lets find the personal ruthlessness to stay focussed on the team result and performance and bury any personal distractions as we chase every trophy with all our best players available for every game.
Enjoy a well earned break, recover and regroup on Tuesday - a tough return v Old street and a good curtain raiser for the season proper.
