Date

This was the boys first match for 7 weeks , and the first time we had got together at all for three , so it was a big test against opponents who had beaten us last time out . The late change of venue worked in our favour as the pitch was big , flat and had drained well and was a markedly better pitch than the one on which we had been beaten last time . We took full advantage of the pitch and played really well to run out as comfortable winners by 5 goals to nil .

We started with our now standard 3-5-2 formation , with Liam and Dan restored as a partnership up front and James W switched to the right wing . Throughout the first half we tackled really well , and most pleasingly kept our positions , and started to pass the ball really well and we created a lot of chances . At the back the tackling and covering was as good as it has been all season and Callum , Matt B and Joe A have formed a formidable unit . Dan Ellis comfortably dealt with anything that managed to get through.

The first goal came when a Mangotsfield clearance was superbly crossed into the box by Joe Alemzadeh and met first time by James Winward , who made a difficult chance seem easy . Dan and Liam were causing problems to the Mangotsfield defence and Dan was the next to score when he finished from close range after good work from Josh . James P and Matt Newbery were prompting really well in midfield and were the platform for most of our attacks . James W continued to get himself into good positions and was unlucky on several occasions .

Half time came with a two nil lead and we were able to make a few changes – Sam and Joe Thwaites came on for Josh and James W. We spoke about keeping on passing the ball and also keeping our shape and were confident that we would complete the win .

I was pleased with the response generally in the second half , and in particular with how the subs did very well individually , with both Joe and Sam putting in some good runs and crosses . Apart from a few breaks from Mangotsfield we totally dominated possession and were rewarded with a few more goals , with good finishes from Dan and Liam . We made further changes , with Scott replacing Joe A and Arran replacing Andy in midfield , and again both did really well , Scott in particular making some excellent runs forward . In the last 10 minutes the tiring Dan and Liam were relaced by Josh and James W and within minutes James W had got onto the end of a good James P freekick to score his second and our fifth . We even had time to miss a penalty , with James P’s kick excellently saved by the keeper , but still ran out worthy winners .


Player Performances

Dan Ellis – little to do but did it well . Distributed well from hand and communicated with his defence well .

Joe Alemzadeh – outstanding performance . Chased and tackled with real determination , joined the attack when he could and swung a brilliant cross over for the first goal

Callum Hawkins – as calm as ever . Defended determinedly and distributed well

Matt Baker – some brilliant tackling and real determination . Got forward a few times to good effect

Scott Crane – did really well when he came on , and has now added an overlap to his game . Struck the ball cleanly throughout

Andy Webb – worked hard as a protection for the defence . Short game was good as he obtained possession and passed simply .

Matt Newbery – all action . Got forward to good effect whilst still doing his defensive duties .

Arran Moran – unlucky to be on the bench , did really well in midfield when he came on .

James Page – passed the ball really well and hit some good freekicks and corners . Unlucky with the penalty , which was well saved .

Josh Seymour – some determined running down the left and good defensively . Set up the second goal .

James Winward – two excellently taken goals and some great running . Equally at home when switched up front late on .

Joe Thwaites – did everything I asked of him when he came on – ran hard and got some good crosses in . Also tackled back well when he lost possession

Sam Vankuylenburg – again did really well when he came on . Ran and tackled well , got some good crosses in and almost worked himself a first goal of the season.

Liam Vincent – did well up front , forging a good partnership with Dan . Held the ball up , pressurised the opposing defence and deserved his goal

Dan Abbott – a great game from Dan , he ran well , took his goals well and brought others into play. Did really well in the face of provocation and controlled himself well .