So 2nd round of the cup, huge challenge for us against St Mary’s, a team 2nd in the division above us. Games are often described as being of two halfs, but today certainly felt more like a game of three thirds. For the first third we dominated the game, creating chances for Ollie and Charles, Louis smashing the crossbar with a volley from the edge of the box. On the balance we rightly took the lead when Louis played in Charles who almost effortlessly chipped the on rushing keeper. The next third came after Charles injury leaving him with a dislocated shoulder. After a considerable delay we were back playing and in a real arm wrestle with them. We didn’t want to be affected by the Injury, but a couple of forced substitutions and our minds being slightly elsewhere meant we needed to refind our shape, during this time St Mary’s equalised with a quality headed finish from a free kick, bit of a lack of concentration on our part, not taking away from the leap and finish. So we went into halftime 1-1. We continued the battle in the 2nd half and Ollie won a somewhat soft penalty, but dispatched it to put us back ahead. For the final third of the game we were pretty much under the pump. Having to work hard to keep them out as they pushed more men up, James C and Tunji both almost scored on the break, but we were slightly clinging on and the whistle couldn’t come soon enough. Great team effort throughout. George making loads of good saves and distributed well. Jack and Sam both had pacey tricky wingers to deal with but did a good strong job and were positionally reliable. Sam managed to clear the ball off the back of his head somehow at one point. Central 3 at the back of Joe, Bjorn and Joe were solid, good communication, covering tackles and level headedness. Ben and James A were class in midfield putting in decent tackles, picking some great balls and ful of energy (perhaps not the last 5 though Ben). Ollie on the left, a great outlet as always, held the ball up well and kept us moving forward. James C, the rocket man today, burnt their full back more than once for pace, put in a great shift. Charles was a big threat whilst on and Tunji, on debut, made some tidy runs, fitted in well and almost scored. For me though Louis Nightingale ??⚕ was our MoM, strength, quality weight of pass on through balls, constant chat and encouragement and great in helping in supporting with Charles injury. Charles we all hope and pray you’re back soon and there’s not any serious damage. The double dream is still alive.
Joe Crisp-Hihn