Match Report

A convincing result and performance marred with a disappointing conclusion.

It’s always a tough fixture against Palace – a good strong side that tests you both physically and mentally and Saturday was no different. However, the Guild are flying high at the moment and performed to an excellent standard despite the absence of the Williams brothers, Roots and Harrigan.

The match started evenly with both sides looking to get the ball down and play. Palace enjoyed the better of the possession play in the opening part of the game but nothing to worry us on goal. After 10 minutes the Guild took the lead after Cooke, J confidently volleyed home after a goalmouth scramble.

After 30 minutes Cooke, J doubled his and the Guild’s tally after great team play left him with an easy finish.

The big Guild pitch and superior fitness of its players were starting to take its toll on the Palace side and towards the half the Palace players were really starting to feel the pace of the game.

At the half we spoke about keeping our discipline and using our superior pace and fitness to our advantage.

The second half started the way the first ended with the Guild having the upper hand. 10 mins into the second half and the result was put beyond doubt when a great piece of play by Perkins put Moulson through on goal who finished low and hard to the keeper''s left. The third goal seemed to take the life out of the Palace side who were frustrated by the referee’s decision to allow the goal.

On 60 mins Pragnell replaced Cleaver, L and Warren replaced Moulson pushing Perkins up to a more advanced position. The fourth goal quickly followed as Perkins, now rampant in the centre of the park ran through the Eltham midfield, played a nice on-two with Cleaver, B and coolly finished from 20 yards. 4-0 up and it looked only a matter of time before we were going to add more.

Unfortunately, after 76 minutes the game was abandoned by the referee for an off-the-pitch incident.

I was really pleased with how everyone conducted themselves in this game. We really imposed our good football on a side that is traditionally very difficult to beat. We kept our discipline and really used the entire length and breadth of the pitch to our advantage. We played a nice short passing game and defended as a team in numbers. Palace were limited to very few opportunities and I cannot remember St John in goal having a significant save to make. Our confidence is high and our passing game was maintained to the high standard that we set pre-Christmas (the Xmas time training defo helps boys!).

Man of the match was Perkins who just got better and better as this fixture went on. Once again he covered every blade of grass and this time got the goal that he so deserves. The elusive goal has now been scored and I expect further dominating performances and goals to follow. McKeown at right back was also very solid and composed and Moulson upfront made an impressive starting debut.

Brilliant work lads, let''s take this into Saturday and maintain our advantage at the top of the division.

Farnborough: 1. St John; 2. McKeown; 3. Cleaver, L; 4. Judge; 5. Davis; 6. Cooke, R; 7. Small; 8. Perkins; 9. Moulson; 10. Cooke, J; 11. Cleaver, B

Eltham Palace: 1. Leydem; 2. Cannon; 3. Bunce; 4. Ciolek; 5. Davey; 6. Naden; Valaise; 8 Porter; 9. Williams; 10. Smith; 11. Rogers