Match Report

New Boys Shine in the Sun

The Farnborough squad has strengthened over the summer months and has worked hard in training running a series of interclub friendlies as well as three hour training sessions on Saturdays. The Guild will definitely look to progress next season, provided the squad sticks together and fulfils its promise and potential. A squad of 18 players were competing for first team places at Norman Park on Saturday with no less than 6 debutants. Hutchins, Kendall, Parmenter, Hughes, Travers, Wray were the debutants and were all looking to impress.

On a very warm afternoon, the Guild got off to a good start with a number of opportunities. It was not long before we opened our account. Williams J floated a tempting ball into the box which Williams, L challenged for with the keeper. The ball dropped loose and debutant Jamie Hughes (signed from Orpington) was on hand to open his, and our account for the season. After the goal we slacked off a bit and never really took control of the game with AFC Sevenoaks coming back into it. The dangerous No.9 was causing a few problems and AFC had a number of opportunities to draw level before a mix up at a corner drew them level.

At the half, we discussed some of the issues we had and changed to a more attacking formation to better suit our style and the fixture. The change worked wonders and we completely dominated the second half. We looked more together and composed and really started to impose our superior fitness and footballing ability. Fifteen minutes in we made the crucial breakthrough and went on to score three goals in the half; a double strike from Parmenter who clearly knows where the goal is and a rather fortunate cross/shot from Cleaver B.

In this game we learnt that we must keep the ball more often and look to retain possession on a more regular basis. Less glory balls and more simple balls are needed and we still need to improve our communication. On the positive side of things we did look really fit and sharp and the amount of pace across the team is frightening. In the second half we totally controlled the game and we have versatility in formation. We also found out a little bit more about the new signings and there were some good individual performances. With the amount of new faces in the team it will take a little time to bond on and off the pitch, but the early signs look good. Tuesday will be a stiffer test against Holmesdale Reserves, but again we have a strong squad and will go into the game with confidence.

Team: 1. Hawkes (12. Edwards); 2. Warren (13. Cleaver); 3. Eales (14. Kendall); 4. Judge © 5. Davis; 6. Travers (15. Abbott); 7. Williams, J; 8. Hutchins (16. Perkins); 9. Williams L (17. Parmenter); 10. Hughes; 11. Stevens (18. Wray)

MOM: Warren/Williams, J

Referee: Graham Ray