SAL Division 2 - 17th September 2005

After the disappointing friendly result against Merton last week both myself and Neil weren't really sure of team selection, team formation and generally how the team would perform on the day.  Not the perfect preparation for the first league game of the season.

Neil decided to plump for his favourite wingback formation with the emphasis on pushing the wingbacks forward rather than backward.  Several regular 1st teamers returned to the fold even though they hadn't trained  throughout the summer (tut tut) so the team on paper looked relatively stronger than we had put out in the pre season.

The pre match team talk was punchy (apart from Wiggy's usual 8 chapters of War & Peace mainly consisting of vague comments about the weather and how nice the pitch looked, oh, and how Xmas wasn't far off?).  Neil made the point that currently, most if not all places are pretty much up for grabs in the team…..even mine!

The game commenced and we were awful for the 1st 15 minutes, no passion, we looked leggy and tired and Finchleians had several very good chances and should have at least taken one of their opportunities.  We needed a spark and fortunately we seemed to find one in John Biggle (new lad, centre half).  It wasn't a moment of genius, simply a series of thumping tackles, towering headers and sticking to the task of marking and out muscling the oppositions best player.  Cars were transformed, the midfield started to fire, showing aggression and a competitive side that isn't always on show.  This led to opportunities in attack and finally both Wiggy and Rob Morley were brought into the game and we were looking dangerous.  The half closed out at 0-0 (I can't and won't dwell on a Kev Macleod open goal sitter that was spurned just before half time).

The second half began much as the first finished, Carshalton in the ascendancy.  A mistake by the opposition defence let Rob Morley with a clear run on goal, he took one touch and spanked the ball past the keeper for a sweet finish and a deserved lead.  We continued to press and eventually the pressure told, Wiggy found space at the far post and an attempted dink come scuff past the keeper led to a 2 goal lead.  The opposition pushed more men forward in search of a goal but the defence held firm despite some late pressure.  Rob Morley wrapped the game up toward the end with a questionable goal, a clear hand ball was missed by the ref, Rob continued toward goal and produced another fine finish for the 3-0 victory.

Overall a very pleasing and a little surprising victory.  If the players can produce the same kind of intensity throughout the season then we have potential to be a formidable outfit.  The opposition looked useful but we matched and eventually outfought them counts for an awful lot at this level.  Special mention should go to Jon Biggle in defence and Rob Morley in attack who were both outstanding in a good team performance.

Reminder  :  Please bring your subs of £40 this week and stay off the booze on Fridays, winning at football then getting lashed is that bit sweeter.

Swanny