Match Report

Clarkson returned to keep goal, Beesley was welcomed back from injury with Miller being this weeks only absentee from a squad that has become familiar. This weeks game saw 3rd placed Farnborough travel to top of the league and much fancied The Blues.

Conditions were perfect, although the pitch was both small and un-even. The league provided three officials for a game that could have a big say in how things finish come the end of the season.

Once again before the game started we were told about the importance of starting quickly...yet with the game barely 5 minutes old the home side were a goal to the good following a cool finish from the impressive number 9. For the next 5 minutes The Blues were in the ascendency with Farnborough appearing to still be in the changing rooms. As the half progressed Farnborough came more and more in to the game, forcing a couple of smart saves from The Blues number 1. The Blues were looking dangerous from set pieces and with counter attacks at pace but offered little else in the way of a threat. Farnborough meanwhile were chipping away and eventually won a penalty which Benningfield was unable to convert. The half finished 1-0 to the home side.

The half time team talk generally consisted of a message that there was still all to play for, but that we couldn't afford to start the second half the same way we did the first. And we didn't. Whilst possession was even, territorial advantage was with the away side. Again The Blues looked threatening on the break with the pace they have, but it was Farnborough playing the better football. Farnborough earned their just rewards with a second penalty converted by Freeman-Roach.

Butler went close to winning the game, as did Boyle from distance. The Blues right midfielder also had the chance to claim the three points but missed when one on one with Clarkson in the Guild goal. 1-1 it finished.

A spirited performance optimised by Boyle at centre half. Boyle walked away with MOM with probably 90% of the votes and was excellent. He was both vocal and committed in every challenge.

Next game is away to Cudham. They currently prop up the division but we are led to believe they have made wholesale changes, and so nothing should be taken for granted. Typically this season we have been as good as the team we are playing against and raise our game for the big occasion. Well if we have aspirations of promotion or even the championship then they are all big games now.

Today's team: GK - S. Clarkson, RB - J. Adams (S. Small), CB - A. Boyle, CB - A. Benningfield, LB - T. Skrine, RM - M. Clark, CM - P. Butler, CM - D. Clark, LM - A. Wray, CF - M. Wilson, CF - D. Freeman-Roach