The season started with a long trip across Bristol to Withywood to play Bishport Utd , a new team . We took a squad of 14 and taking on board recent performances in friendlies started with a 4-4-2 formation.  From the very start we were quicker to the ball , the tackling and passing were excellent and the whole team looked strong .Bishport were unable to cope and within 20 minutes we were 4-0 ahead thanks to goals from Josh Seymour ( 2 ) James Winward and Sean Fahey . Josh' s first goal in particular was very well taken but the all round play was very good.

Despite a more competitive policy this year the big lead allowed me to tinker with things making substitutions and trying a few things out. A fifth goal by James Page after unselfish play by Liam meant halftime came with a healthy 5-0 lead. In the second half we continued where we left off, with Josh completing his hatrick with the goal of the game, a mazy run and cool finish.

Final goals from Liam and a bizarre own goal completed a comfortable victory by 8 goals to nil.  I was pleased that all of the boys did exactly what was asked and took on board all that we have been working on in the last month or so . There was very little rushed swinging of boots and a lot more taking of time - the striking of the ball was a lot cleaner , the passing was excellent , the taking of chances very good and the tackling and defending determined.

Match Performances

Dan Ellis - little to do but pulled off one good save, came for the high ball confidently and concentrated well
Arran Moran - had another excellent game with some well timed interceptions , great passing down the line and an attempt on goal with his knee from 35 yards
Matt Baker - another exhibition of great tackling and brave defending
Callum Hawkins - cool on the ball tough in the tackle good distribution , another captains performance
Scott Crane - very strong in the tackle , struck the ball cleanly , worked hard
Joe Alemzadeh - another all-action performance - got forward well without quite releasing the hammer and defended and chased back strongly
Matt Newbery - excellent in the holding role , got in a lot of great tackles , headed the ball well
Andy Webb - covered a lot of ground , tackled very well and improved distribution
James Page - good passing , dangerous over the deadball, took his goal well
Josh Seymour - a well deserved hattrick with some excellent finishes , never stopped running ,constant threat down the left
James Winward - worked really hard down the right flank and showed a lot of skill in constantly beating his man , final ball needs a bit of practice but deserved his goal
Sean Fahey - ran and ran and ran , great exhibition of attacking midfield play and took his goal well
Liam Vincent - a great display of unselfish support play , set up countless chances for teammates with his quick and incisive passing and expertly finished his chance
Dan Abbott - ran hard and showed great skill , was a real handful up front and deserved more for his efforts