An excellent performance in all areas lead to a victory over Mangotsfield by three goals to one. Our opponents had won their last match 4-1 so we knew it wouldn’t be easy, but before the game we spoke about the need to improve our tackling as they had a number of quite big players. We played particularly well in the first half but the second half was marred by too many substitutions and we lost our fluency a little.

We started with Scott replacing Callum, who was ill. In the first half the passing was very good and the tackling in midfield and up front strong. We put them under a lot of pressure when they had the ball, which allowed us to regain possession quickly . The work down the left between Joe Alemzadeh, Josh and Liam was particularly effective and we created some good opportunities with some quick passing. The first goal came after one such move, which ended with a great left footed shot from Joe Alemzadeh from the edge of the box which gave the keeper no chance.

Mangotsfield showed that they are a good side with some good passing movements themselves but the back four of Arran, Matt B, Scott and Joe Alemzadeh defended very well, shielded by Matt Newbery.

We created a number of good chances, including working James Page into a couple of good shooting positions but the second goal came shortly afterwards when great work down the left again lead to the ball coming across the box. Good work by James Winward and Dan Abbott resulted in Dan shooting home.

Halftime came with a two nil lead and we spoke about how well we were doing in all areas of the pitch. We made a few changes and some more during the second half, which understandably disrupted things. However, we still attacked well when given the opportunity, with Sean prominent and defensively we had a bit more to do. Scott produced an excellent clearance off of the line and Mangotsfield also hit the crossbar but we sealed the game with a great move that lead to another smart finish from Sean .

A three nil win and top of the table, but we had to work hard today against a good passing team. Tim and myself have also learnt a lesson about the disruption to the team caused by making too many changes and will be revising how we approach some of the games coming up.

Match Performances    

Dan Ellis -  handled well , kicked well , inspired confidence in his back four

Joe Alemzadeh – getting a real understanding with Josh , defended well and a great shot for a deserved goal

Scott Crane – very solid , talked well , great clearance off the line

Matt Baker – won his tackles as usual , struck the ball very cleanly , never stopped

Arran Moran – defended well , cool on the ball and got forward when he could

Matt Newbery – another tireless performance in midfield , tackling and heading well , did not deserved to be subbed .

James Page – passed the ball really well , particularly down the flanks . Unlucky with a couple of first time shots 

Josh Seymour – worked well with Joe A , got in some great runs , unlucky to be subbed

James Winward – much improved , ran well and got in some great crosses

Sean Fahey – did really well when he came on , positive and confident , a constant threat and took his goal well

Joe Thwaites – a few good runs and crosses , and some good tackling back

Andy Webb – got some good tackles in , unlucky to start on the bench

Liam Vincent – worked hard today , improved when he realised that he had time and space , great linking up between forwards and midfield

Dan Abbott – worked really hard , caused problems all day and deserved his goal , very unlucky to come off