Todays game was against previously unbeaten opponents and we spoke before the game about improving our tackling and winning the midfield. Throughout the game we tackled with great determination and it allowed our midfield time to pass the ball to great effect . The end result was a resounding win by 8 goals to one and a move to the top of the table.

 

Playing in our change strip of white tops the boys were quickest to every ball and very determined and we were rewarded very early on when some good pressure lead to a smart finish by Liam. Within 10 minutes we were two up as some very skillful work by Dan Abbott lead to a great goal for Sean. The passing from midfield by James P was really working and he continually released the wide players into space.

Goals came at regular intervals throughout the first half , the pick being a run and absolute piledriver of a shot by James Winward from a tight angle which screamed into the top corner.  When we did have defending to do the back four coped well , winning all of the challenges and protected in front by Matt Newbery. In the second half we relaxed a little and made a number of changes, but it was good to see that we continued to pass the ball and create a lot of opportunities.

Liam completed his hat trick and I was also pleased with the strong running by Joe Thwaites who hit a great shot from distance which hit the inside of the post and came out. Every game is a learning experience and whilst I was very pleased with how well everyone played I was a little disappointed that in the last 10 minutes we lost our shape and all tried to bomb forward and score, which lead to us conceding a sloppy goal.

The final score of 8 goals to 1 was achieved by goals from Liam 3 , Sean 2 , Dan Abbott , James Page , James Winward and meant a deserved climb to the top of the table.

 

Match Performances 

 

Dan Ellis - little to do but communicated well and kicked well from hand . One good save in the second half

 

Arran Moran - played well , more comfortable coming forward as confidence increases

 

Callum Hawkins - covered well when required , useful spell in midfield

 

Matt Baker - not required to do much , did what he had to do excellently as usual

 

Scott Crane - did well when he came on , made some important tackles towards the end when others had gone forward and left him exposed

 

Joe Alemzadeh - ran well ,covered back and got forward , one chance , which he put wide on his wrong foot

 

Andy Webb - outstanding performance , won every tackle , passed the ball well and kept going until the end

 

Matt Newbery - equally outstanding , won a lot of tackles and headers , major factor in our midfield dominance

 

James Page - passed the ball really well and set up countless chances for others , particularly through spreading the play wide .

 

James Winward - strong performance and goal of the match , ran really well down the right

 

Josh Seymour - used his pace to good effect , particularly in the second half . Unlucky not to score

 

Joe Thwaites - understandably started a bit slowly but got into his stride and had a very good second half , with several trademark runs . Very unlucky with an extremely well hit shot onto the post

 

Sean Fahey - two more goals and another exhibition of determined running and tackling

 

Liam Vincent - a great hattrick but also worked really hard for the team and never allowed the Shire defenders a minutes peace

 

Dan Abbott - quick feet and good awareness to set up Seans goal , worked hard and deserved his goal.