For the 4th week in a row a depleted Tilehurst YM squad took the field against a Fox & Hounds side who somehow had managed to sneak away with a point from the game earlier on in the season.
The game taking place at the changed venue of Linear Park, with the FA punishing F&H for crowd trouble at their previous game, saw the YM squad depleted further with the non-show up of Karl (timmy), allowing Simon his 1st start of the system
YM, starting the game with a 4-4-1-1 formation managed the first 10 minutes as the away side effectively, before new captain Mark Harding and Joe Edwards started to stamp their class on proceedings. As asked to by their caretaker manager YM were playing some nice passing football, always looking for the simple ball when on offer. This resulted in some slick moves through the midfield up to the hard working lone man, Mark Tancock.
The breakthrough however came from a set-piece, with Harding hitting a corner with pace to the back post, leaving James Williams the simplest of tasks to nod the ball in unmarked. From then on there was only going to be one winner as YM showed their class for the rest of the half and went on to dominant adding two more goals before half time.
The first of which came from good pressure to win the ball back from a F&H throw, correctly given by the assistant. Allowing Edwards to run with the ball slaloming through 3 defenders to be in on goal before unselfishly laying the ball square to the on-rushing Harding for the simplest of tap-ins.
The final goal of the half went to the lone man himself who profited on a poor goal kick. Showing a good first touch for a big man, Tancock then slid the ball in to the corner of the net. A goal that will further enhance his reputation with the fans and Gilly.
After some apple and blackcurrant and Jaffa cakes YM remained on top for the second half, pressing well in certain areas whilst keeping their shape when required, allowing stand in keeper Gill being un-tested. Also helped by a Makelele style role by Cole and both Williams and Shanks behind him winning every header and tackle.
However YM were to show their downfall on many occasions this season, by not taking their chances to turn the score up to double figures.
Finally YM got another goal, again Harding with the easiest of finishes after good wing play and final ball across goal from first what looked like Harvey747 but in fact was Edwards (seemless)
In the end a easy win for YM as they look to finish their first full season with this team, not too far off the top 2.
Thanks to the boys for making it very easy game to manage, Simon for helping out and playing, Ryan for doing the kit and Gilly collecting subs
