"The only thing that overcomes hard-luck is hard work"
- Harry Golden
This quote from late Jewish writer Herschel Goldhirsch totally encompasses the performance by the reserves this Saturday, epitomising the steely determination that sets these players apart.
Confidence was high with the excellent performance against Chipstead in the previous week, with so many missing from the squad this week, the club was stretched, with many people making sacrifices to help in any which way they could.
The absences of Adam Gonzalez. Fizz Rogan, Sam Friskey, Jason Mabbs, Billy Jolley, Lewis Wright, Joe Catchesides and Sam Cormack meant that returns to reserves were handed to Harry Barber and Joe Townsend. With promotions handed to Jamie Hearn, Dan Tivey, Billy Bond and Danny McClintock.
This would have been no weaker a side if these players were all able to make the fated jump. Instead on the day with further drop outs from 1sts and 3rds, meant Tivey, was called to the 1sts only to be dropped back to the 3rds and Jamie Hearn and Billy Bond making up the numbers at Catford Wanderers for the 3rds.
Sammy Maloney done us a favour and made the trip as a spectator to sit on the bench as the only recognisable Tudor Sports player.
The formation picked itself with no out and out striker, E.Wright was asked to play it lone up top with Barber and Linstead providing the support.
Joe Townsend got a start alongside Nick Hallam and Jordan Hay. The back line picked itself, Connor in his favoured right back position, Wild the left back, and Danny Mc and Alex Alton in the heart of the defence.
Tudor Sports started well and imposed well given the changes, the team did not dwell on the absences and was focussed on the task.
With Wright you will always get willing running, and an aerial threat but no pace in behing, Robbie and Harry were aware of this and slid balls down the channel on many occasions but with such a small pitch and in such poor condition it often ran off and a new approach had to be found. Nick and Jordan found out early on they would have to put in a selfless performance here, this was not a game in which to make a name for yourself in a football sense, too tight and too compact we were cheap with the ball on one too many occasions. It appeared before the opening goal, this had clicked with the midfielders in the middle of the park, after being caught with the ball and kicked around, the central midfielders began to move the ball out wide much quicker, with both wingers offering an outlet every time. Harry had a lot of joy when one on one with his marker, whilst Robbie used his brain and supported the lone striker when he could by coming inside for one-twos.
The goals came from this approach and Tudor sports were grateful for the rewards for the toil.
The first a scrappy effort but only the just desserts needed. A clearance from the back found Nick Hallam, releasing Babs it skipped back inside from a Fleet interception, bobbling around Wright poked it to Hay at an awkward height, but excellent position, Hay watched it down on to his foot at 18-yards, and hit a decent effort to right of the keeper only to see it deflect to his right and sail past his ugly little helpless face. 1-0! Lovely.
The second, only minutes later, a defensive moved turned into attack , starting from James Wild, popped inside, and then releasing Harry down the left, he took it to the byline, and pulled back, Elliott Wright attacked the ball near post and knew he was not going to make it, taking the centre half with him, Robbie's call alerted Wright to continue with the run, creating the space for the onrushing midfielder, the 'Keeper could not come and smother and Robbie took advantage and slotted it away. 2-0
The Blues were in control, but unable to play their favoured football on the shite pitch.
A tad complacent, the Blues relinquished the control for 5 minutes, and gave away a corner or two, which eventually resulting in a Fleet player bundling the ball in. Reiss helpless and this would not tarnish his second impeccable performance on the trot.
This Tudor side, were not immature and cavalier in response, we began to win the first balls again to see out the first half and grinding out some basic defensive duties.
Danny Mc growing into his role was vocal in his criticism of the forwards inability to keep the ball higher up the pitch.
In the second half this was heard loud and clear, whilst the first half gave us the goals, it was the second in which Tudor played clever, only playing in 'safe' areas , and this gave the spectators a gritty match, but Captain Wild and the Gaffer an excellent sense of pride after the Bridon game in which a lead was cancelled out late on.
A few half chances falling to Joe Townsend, Elliott, Robbie were not converted, and Jordan Hay was the deliverer of the worst header over an open goal ever seen, and although the control lay with the Blues, this would always lead to a nervy last 5-10. Sammy Mal was brought on to counteract this.
Joe was brought off and Elliott dropped deeper. Winning some vital headers from corners and dead balls to alleviate the pressure. Danny and Alex were superb in this period and dragged the players up as high up the pitch as possible at the sign of any clearance, this was a team that would not lie down The composition of the team probably influenced this, with effectively 4/5 third players tired of losing because of a lack of application and effort, and the reserves proud to stay and play and keep their shirts for the next week.
It is very much a shame the planned promotions for Jamie, Billy and Tivey did not materialise.
The absent players listed above will most likely be available for Craig Flynn's squad, depending on Gaffer's choice.
Well Done Boys.
