The boys were hindered before the game started as there was uncertainty surrounding the goalkeeping position and they were not properly warmed up by myself . Andy Webb bravely accepted being our emergency goalkeeper.  The first half performance was poor , with balls being allowed to bounce in midfield, uncertainty in our passing , control of the ball poor and possession almost non-existant.

We let a goal in early on whilst still settling and although Josh had a strong run down the left that nearly resulted in a goal we were soon two down.  Dan Ellis arrived 20 minutes in but we still had time to let a further goal in. Were it not for Callum and Matt Baker in defence we would have totally capitulated but halftime arrived with us three nil down.  Some strong words were said at halftime about retaining possession, determination in the tackle and greater decisiveness under the high ball and I was very pleased with the response.

The second half was far better, with some good moves constructed and some more determined defending. We broke well down the flanks, particularly down the left and down the middle, where Liam was prominent and from one move Josh hit the inside of the post and Liam was just unable to convert.  The game finished with a five goal defeat but at least in the second half we competed and showed that we can play good football The Avon manager was quite complimentary about our style of play, which is always nice to hear.

 

Match Performances 

 

Dan Ellis - late arrival disrupted team preparations , did well once on the pitch - quick off his line , good handling , no chance with any of the goals

 

Arran Moran - determined defending coupled with a calmness on the ball while all around were rushing about , made the usual large number of interceptions and distributed the ball well

 

Callum Hawkins - another excellent game , good distribution , great tackling and some good composure on the ball

 

Matt Baker - did really well as the defence were under pressure for a lot of the game , got in some well-timed tackles as usual and headed the ball well

 

Scott Crane - not as assured as usual but won some important challenges , improved in the second half

 

Joe Alemzadeh - couldn't get forward as much as usual as he had a very good forward to mark , stuck to his task well , and almost got the hammer out in the second half

 

Andy Webb - enormous credit for going in goal , when outfield tackled determinedly and distributed better than recently

 

Matt Newbery - Tackled well , especially in the second half and regained possession for his team often . Better going forward this week

 

James Page - made a few good passes and took a few deadballs but wasn't allowed time on the ball to influence the game  , particularly in the first half .

 

Josh Seymour - another strong game down the left , hit the post in the second half and kept going til the end

 

Liam Vincent - linked play well and tackled well . should have scored in the second half

 

Sean Fahey - quiet but efficient game , put in some determined runs but too often without support

 

James Winward - worked well down the right , final ball needs a bit of practice , much improved second half

 

Dan Abbott - worked tirelessly both down the right wing and centrally . good touch and nearly scored in the second half.