Match Report

There was also a ‘football traveller’ present at the ground today. I chatted to the guy before the game – he had travelled all the way from his house near Stansted airport! Last week he was in Blackburn and in the summer months he goes to Ireland! I hope he spent most of his time watching the first team today as there was probably more entertainment to be had there. We made hard work of this. Beaverwood didn’t have many ideas and really we should have scored more goals. Our team was:

Edwards (GK)
Martin (LB)
Nott (CB)
Morton (CB)
Tapsfield (RB)
Carpenter (RM)
Lenton (CM)
Evans (CM) (Captain)
Head (LM)
Tanton (CF)
Havers (CF)

Subs:
Nethercot, Godward

We were on the top pitch for the second week running and both teams started badly. None of us really found our touch at all early doors and the best performances were in defence. Daragh and Pete once again worked well together at centre half and dealt effectively with the long balls which Beaverwood pumped towards them. Neither player is tall but they won the majority of their headers which was a real achievement. Taps and Dave at full backs kept things tight and helped to build attacks from the back.

After 25 minutes we suddenly got much better and actually started to look like promotion candidates. Stu nearly scored with a dipping shot from outside the box. Our passing got much slicker and when Beaverwood conceded possession on the halfway line Aaron had a good first touch and got his head up. Their defence didn’t push up quickly enough and as Aaron slipped the ball through to me I was clean through on goal. With grace and balance reminiscent of Lionel Messi I glided round their goalkeeper and stroked the ball into the goal, a real quality finish. We remained on top for the rest of the first half although our only real chance came from a corner. Aaron drilled a low ball in and Tant went close at the near post.

At half time Danny justifiably pointed out some of our shortcomings and we went back out for the second half determined to put the game beyond doubt. We played much better and continued to create chances. Russ replaced Tant and Danny replaced Spence and both the substitutes went close after good passing moves. At the other end we kept things tight although we did have a scare when Beaverwood hit the crossbar. However anything other than a home win would have been a travesty and we hung on to take the 3 points.

This result has put us right back in the mix and it will be interesting to see the result of the Bridon V Dresdner game which is taking place on Tuesday night this week. Bridon and Old Town both dropped points at the weekend so we are right in there. What we need to do is keep winning. We play Beaverwood again this weekend at their place and 3 points is vital.

Man of the match: Sam Evans