We started this match missing Matt Baker through illness but welcoming new signing Peter O’Brien . We were aware of the way that Lockleaze play and took measures to stop them but ultimately were undone by a slack five minute spell and our failure to take our chances .

Despite Matts absence we started with a three five two formation with Sam under instructions to man mark their key player . This worked really well in the first half and some great defending from Joe Alemzadeh Scott and Arran kept Lockleaze's chances to a minimum . At the other end we created some good chances and put them under a lot of pressure . Quite early on we forced the goalie to make a few saves and from a great corner by James Page James Winward scored, only for the goal to be disallowed for a push. Undeterred we kept pushing forward and after an excellent long pass from Sam Matt Newbery converted after the goalie had fumbled .We then had a few opportunites inside the box that we could have done better with , but halftime came with a deserved one goal lead .

At halftime we spoke about keeping our positions and shape and perhaps pushing on for a win . I made three changes at halftime , in hindsight probably too many , bring on Joe Thwaites , Sean and Liam .

The second half started badly when we conceded a goal almost immediately, the break coming straight down the middle . As we did in the first match against them we froze for about 5 minutes and could easily have conceded a few more , Dan Ellis making a couple of good saves and their forwards missing a few chances . We conceded the second goal shortly afterwards when a shot was deflected up and over Dan and bounced in .

We responded really well to this , with Peter prominent and Joe Thwaites making some really good runs . We spent most of the last 20 minutes pressing , although a twice taken , twice missed Lockleaze penalty gave some light relief . There were excellent efforts from Peter , which went onto the roof of the net , Joe Thwaites whose rasping shot after a good run was desperately close , and James Winward , who couldn’t quite convert a close range chance and also had a good shot well saved .

The game finished with a disappointing 2-1 defeat , but we played well for large patches and shouldn’t be too upset . We will now need to win most of our games but I am confident that we can do that and that we will secure promotion this season .

Player Performances

Dan Ellis – not much to do in the first half but some good saves during our wobbly spell . Always likely to come out on top in one on ones , and distributed well

Joe Alemzadeh – did really well , particularly in the first half . Defended well ,chased back and harried well and volunteered to take the goalkicks

Scott Crane - did well until he got injured . Strong in the tackle and a few headers . Cleared his lines well .

Arran Moran – usual display of good tackling and determination ,

Matt Newbery – captains performance . Did a great job in midfield , deserved his goal and slotted in at the back brilliantly after Scotts injury .

James Page – mixed display , struck some great passes and deadballs but missed a few shooting opportunities and gave the ball away more than usual .

Sam Vankuylenberg- outstanding display of tackling and marking , stopped their dangerman making much impact . Found time to get forward and his pass set up the goal

Josh Seymour – ran well , particularly in the first half . A bit unlucky on several occasions

Peter O’Brien – very promising debut . Passed the ball well , got forward and retained possession . Almost scored when his shot was deflected over

James Winward – Got forward well and always a threat – shouldn’t have been substituted at halftime . Had a few great chances in the second half but couldn’t convert

Joe Thwaites – excellent display when introduced at halftime . Make a number of great runs and was desperately close with a cross shot .

Sean Fahey – feeling his way back after a long break . Make some good bursts forward in the second half .

Dan Abbott – provided his usual physical presence up front , combined with good footwork and control .

Liam Vincent – unlucky to start on the bench . A little bit isolated in the second half , missed his usual strike partner