We switched the game to Patchway's ground but it made no difference to the boys as they produced an excellent performance to win by six goals to one. We suspected that the game would be one of the more straightforward this season and consequently took a squad of 15 to the match, with a view to giving everyone a chance to play .We started the game with a 3-5-2 formation, the first time that we have done this so far this season, the theory being that Patchway would struggle to sustain too many attacks so three would be enough at the back - this also allowed us to commit more men forward when we got the ball.

We started with Callum in the middle flanked by Matt Baker and Joe Alemzadeh on either side, with Arran and Scott the unlucky players on the bench.  The boys started very strongly, closing down when we didn't have the ball and passing it well when we did . In particular we played some lovely passages of play to work James Winward clear down the right flank and he was a constant threat throughout. Early on we created some good opportunities including one lovely cross that left James W virtually on the goalline but an awkward bounce meant the chance was missed.

James was to make amends shortly afterwards when he was released down the right channel and struck a fierce shot into the net for the first goal. Shortly afterwards it was two when Dan worked himself clear and finished into the right corner. One of the features of our play up front was the instant control by both Liam and Dan which frequently bought them space and time to turn. Soon James W was worked in again and thumped a right foot shot just inside the post for his second and our third.

At the back the three defenders were doing well and managing to get forward when they could and had to be alert a few times when Patchway broke.  Dan Ellis did well to come off his line a few times and communicated quite well with his defenders.  At three nil we made a few changes, with Joe Thwaites and Sam replacing Josh and James W on the flanks. Joe was to have an immediate impact when he raced onto a through ball and was brought down by the keeper for a penalty kick . Despite missing a spot kick last week James Page stepped up and confidently struck the ball right into the corner for a four goal half time lead.

 

At halftime we spoke about not all bombing forward and trying to score , and I said that I wanted us to keep to our positions and I wanted a clean sheet . I brought on Arran and Scott at the back in the only changes.  Within two minutes my clean sheet had disappeared as a low ball across our box was inadvertently turned into his own net by Andrew. However the boys responded positively and continued to pass the ball well.

We had a number of breaks but couldn't quite turn them into goals but our passing remained good . In one passage of play involving Joe Thwaites , Joe Alemzadeh , Scott and James Page we played a succession of first time passes with nobody panicking and managed to work a lovely opening down the left wing from what was quite a crowded part of the field . We continued to push forward down both wings and further goals by Liam and Josh completed a final six goals to one win .

 

I was pleased with the way that all of the boys played really well today , and with the way that we retained our positions . We also switched easily from a back three to a back four which showed a good understanding from the boys .

 

Match Performances

 

Dan Ellis - not much to do but concentrated well and distributed well

 

Arran Moran - made an impact when he came on , got forward really well and tackled determindly

 

Callum Hawkins - covered well , cool on the ball as usual

 

Matt Baker - another comfortable game , tackled well when required to , got forward well

 

Scott Crane - slotted in comfortably demonstrating his confidence , played well in the middle and out on the left

 

Joe Alemzadeh - got forward well and chased back with his usual enthusiasm , passing and heading getting better by the week

 

Matt Newbery - covered all over the pitch , worked hard

 

Andy Webb - unlucky with the own goal , did some really good tracking back and helped out the defence

 

James Page - calm on the ball as usual and created numerous breaks with his vision , showed courage to take the penalty after missing last week

 

James Winward - strong running throughout and two great finishes for his goals - taken off to save Patchway from more goals

 

Josh Seymour - ran strongly but not able to deliver the final ball today

 

Joe Thwaites - made an immediate impact and contributed well throughout

 

Liam Vincent - worked hard , instant control , deserved his goal - needs to be more aware of teammates better placed than him

 

Dan Abbott - did really well again , deserved more than the one goal he got , excellent passing allowing teammates to get involved

 

Sam Vankuylenburg - did really well when he came on , tackled and passed well and got forward often . Needs to be more confident