SAL Division 2 - 21st January 2006

It's been a while since the last match report, so firstly, apologies on that front.

The 1s travelled to table topping Norseman on Saturday on the back of 2 wins in the league.  I should point out at this stage that most of the team travelled direct, a few of us (those in my car) were taken on a lovely two and a half hour journey around south., west and finally North London so that Wiggy could be picked up on the Hanger Lane Gyratory en route to the game. I believe Sam, John Biggle, Rob Morley and Dave Tilley enjoyed the trance music all the way to Norseman.  Johnny Phillips turned up 20 minutes late for the meet and was subsequently left behind (well actually forgotten), fortunately his moped come pushbike allowed him the luxury of travelling through central London and getting to the game with time to spare.  Swancabs finally arrived at Norseman 15 minutes before kick off, not good preparation, my warm up consisted of putting my socks and boots on to give those hamstrings a really good flex.

We went with the 3 at the back and wingbacks system that has proved fruitful this season.  Cookie stepping in for Keith Cave at sweeper.  Stuart Jeffrey's made his 1st team debut for this season at right midfield.

The game kicked off, unfortunately, we didn't.  Norseman made much the better start to the game and pretty much run us ragged for the first 20 minutes or so, their passing and movement was very good and this culminated in Carshalton conceding an early goal with their forward slotting the ball comfortably past Ross after running onto to a lofted ball over our defence.  The omens did not look good at this stage as we looked lethargic and devoid of ideas going forward.  Then something strange happened, I don't know what it was, don't suppose we will ever know.  We suddenly became competitive, quicker, hungry for the ball and for the remainder of the half out fought and started to outplay Norseman.  Our pressure paid off just before half time.  An excellent series of short passes down our left flank and an incisive run from Rob Morley presented (the outstanding on the day) Sam Knowles with the ball on the edge of the Norseman box.  The ball was lofted with the outside of the boot over the keeper for a well deserved equaliser. Honours even at half time.

At half time myself and Wiggy tried to impress on the team that this match was there for the taking if we showed the belief and commitment we showed for the last 25 minutes of the first half we'd take the 3 points.

The second half kicked off and the boys did not disappoint.  Another series of short passes down the left flank and the industrious Rob Morley found space on the edge of the box, he floated the ball out to the out of position Johnny Phillips who calmly toe poked the ball past the keeper for the 2-1 lead.  Cue excellent team celebration and the younger players in the team starting to believe that we could win this game.  Within a few minutes Norseman conceded a penalty from a set piece, Sam Knowles clearly pulled back when attempting to rise for a header.  Wiggy calmly dispatched the ball past the keeper, 3-1 and we were very much in the ascendancy.  After that we applied more and more pressure on a beleaguered Norseman and created several excellent chances to add a few more goals.  The fourth goal was a toe poke form myself from a corner  4 -1 job done.  Norseman poured players forward toward the end and grabbed a late consolation goal after cookie failed to jump with his man.  The only blemish on a great performance at sweeper.

This really was the result and performance of the season for the 1st team.  Norseman are a good side who can certainly play football if given the time and space.  Once we got into our stride, we pretty much out muscled them and then out played them for a much deserved victory.

Special mentions should go the midfield triumvirate of Sam Knowles, Dave Tilley and Gary Cummings, all 3 were good individually and worked very well as a midfield central unit.  Stuart Jeffrey's was neat and tidy on his debut and didn't look out of place at all.  Johnny Phillips was lively and Rob and Wiggy worked hard and caused Norseman problems in defence.  John Biggle made a welcome return to centre half alongside me and produced an aggressive and commanding performance.

I may as well mention everyone, Ross didn't put a foot wrong in Goal, Paul Neill and Martin Vincent made  excellent contributions from the bench after coming on in the second half.  I think that's about it, almost forgot………I was fabulous!

Great performance, great win. Lets keep our winning run going

Swanny