SAL Division 2 - 30th September 2006

Weirside Woes

The 30^th September saw Carshalton 1^st team looking for their second win of the season.  After a shocking performance last week in the cup it was imperative that these wrongs were put right.  That had to start with the attitude and the work rate.  The skill and ability is there and was in evidence against HSBC; a repeat performance was required!

Carshalton set up 3-5-2 which is still in its infancy but has the potential to work, given time.  The pitch was in good condition, if a little wet (Matt "the groundsman" Wigham assured everyone that it was defiantly a stud).

The first 10 minutes saw the oppo pass the ball well.  We collectively weren’t tight enough and the home side exerted a lot of pressure.  Our player manager Keith Cave was back in the fold mopping up most loose balls, assisted well by Johnny Biggle and our captain Shaun Swan.

The midfield however was missing and following an excellent chance that saw three Cars players miss a cross from the right, Weirside promptly went up the other end and made it 1-0.  Neil Backers was unlucky, the initial save warranted more, but the ball squirmed loose before we could react.  Ten minutes before half time was not the best time to go behind but Weirside deserved the half time lead.

The second half started exactly the same as the first, Carshalton weren’t at the races.  The oppo dominated possession, the only outlet we had was long throw-ins and corners.  Following another corner that was dealt with well by their defence a counter attack ensued.  2-0!  We won’t say too much about the goal except Fisky managed to Cruyff the ball into his own net!  It was hard on him as he was our best player on the day.

Being two goals down, Carshalton knew they had an uphill battle, more fight and quality was needed.  A couple of substitutions brought the former and both Rich and Andy Taylor did well when they came on.

Unfortunately it was too little too late and the game ended with Carshalton well beaten by an extremely fit and well organised team.

Next week must see an increased work ethic and a win will result, that I’m confidence of.

Particular mentions to Shaun Swan, John Biggle and Adam Fisk who were solid throughout.

Scott Poulier