After the disappointment of last weeks postponement we were itching to get down to business against a side undefeated in 13 games. Starting out 3-4-3 our attacking intentions were clear and our approach play was good but we lacked early composure in front of goal as several openings came to nothing. Kim worked hard in the central area but struggled early on to get the ball out of his feet on a boggy pitch. The breakthrough came on the half hour when Kim was fouled in a goalmouth scramble - it was a correct decision but one that would have been missed by most referees so St Georges probably thought it harsh. As often happens in those situations Kim's penalty was lackluster and was saved by the keeper but Kim doesn't miss many and he reacted quickest to make amends and to net on the second attempt.
Within minutes we conceded the advantage when St Georges made the most of a defensive mix up, pounced on a loose ball and squared the game. This seemed to be the spark we needed and minutes later our lead was restored when Jacks free kick was saved by the 'keeper and Kim headed home from close range. Five minutes later Slater out muscled a defender his cross found Kim whose shot was blocked and fell to Jack who hit a sweet volley that burst the net.
During this 15 minute period St Georges moved a fifth man into midfield and Gary was repeatedly called into action as their extra possession was converted into goal attempts - two particular full stretch saves from cross shots were magnificent.
With Slater's back gone late into the second period we called Joe out of his pit (with his own bad back) and re-organised at half time reverting to 3-5-2 to kill the game off. Sam was superb and disciplined in adjusting his game and playing "in the hole" for the second period - his break up play and distribution was top drawer. Joe came in at right back, adding another out option with his power and his long throw, Kyle moved wide right to protect joe and give us width whilst Ollie and Kim were sent out to play closer to the two centre backs. The reshaping paid instant dividends, minutes after the restart Ollie's neat round the corner flick released Kim who ran clear to slot home. 4-1 up we closed the game up and although St Georges had their moments including hitting the post, Gary was equal to all of their attempts and with less than 15 to go Kim added his 4th and our 5th as he headed home Harry's freekick as it came back of the bar. St Georges added a 2nd consolation goal in the dying minutes as we were already wondering who's getting them in!
Across the 90 minutes our team work was a pleasure to watch. In front of Gary, who had another excellent game, Chippy was a rock marshalling the defence and when he couldn't get a tackle in he got his body in the way making several crutial blocks.Ryan had a storming game at left back, clearing off the line and setting up all the play in that side. Kyle was disciplined and worked hard as most of their best moves came down our right and he worked hard to stop them doubling up in the second half. Dan and Harry were awesome in the middle commiting very few fouls as they pressed, chased and closed down for the full 90 with both finding the energy to get into goal scoring positions.Sam, Ollie and Jack work both ends of the pitch with flair and deceptive strength. Slater's powerful bursts unsettled the opposition in the first half and Joe did the same in different areas in the second half. The cherry on the cake was Kim's finishing. The best teamwork and the best approach play mean nothing if there's no end product and its more than luck that Kim's in the right place at the right time. Lets keep feeding him whilst he's on this run and keep chipping in across the team.
From here on in we have to approach every game as if its a cup final. We have to wipe our mouths and dig deep when we go behind or hit a difficult period. We have to continue to support each other no matter how bad a period any one player or the team overall is having. Come on The Association.
