SAL - 21st November 2009

Carshalton travelled to north London for the 4^th time already this season for a top of the table clash against 3^rd place old Finchleians. Looking to extend our unbeaten league run, we were again only able to take the bare 11, with Wiggy a very unwilling 12^th man.

The pitch looking in pristine condition despite the recent weather and both teams set out to play football on a flat surface. Early exchanges were a little tentative with Finchley keeping the ball well at the back but looking far from threatening, with the long balls from both full backs easily dealt with by the cars defence of Webbo, Ritchie, McCulloch and Billy. Any flicks won by the forwards were comfortably collected by Bruce in the Cars goal. As the half wore on Chances began to fall to both teams, First the Finchley forward broke down their left but shot tamely across goal. We then fashioned a couple of chances, Adam Taylor firing narrowly wide after a mazy run, then Fisky stinging the keepers fingers with a spectacular effort from 30 Yards.

It was however Finchley who broke the deadlock with half time approaching. The left winger again found some space this time however his finish was a little better,  rolling the ball agonisingly across goal and just out of the reach of McCulloch. The goal seemed to spur cars into action and we were level soon after. A Fisk long throw appeared to bounce onto the hand of a Finchley defender, Alex Corner reacted quickest amongst the appeals to slot home. 1-1 at half time and the game very much evenly balanced.

Cars were out of the blocks quickly in the second half, as Fisk and Dave Tilley looked to grab hold of the game. With Cooky and Corner providing width on the flanks, we were beginning to look more dangerous. We managed to force a succession of throws and Corners, which Finchley were struggling to deal with. It was from one Fisk throw Cars took the lead. Andy Taylor rising unmarked to head home. Our lead would have been greater has the ref seen a McCulloch header which was, by the admission of the Finchley defenders, about a foot over the line.

With the clock ticking down, Finchley were desperately searching for the equalizer and began to throw increased numbers forward. The equalizer came from a free kick which was flicked into the Cars box, the ball dropped inside the 6 yard box and the Striker reacted quickest to restore parity. We had definitely had the better of the game and felt we could still win this, but with a draw not suiting either team Finchley were also seeking a winner, throwing caution to the wind.

With 3 minutes left on the clock Cars scored the decisive 3^rd. Adam Taylor, who ran tirelessly all day picked up a pass inside the Finchley half, running deep into their territory he reached the by-line and crossed to the far post where Andy Taylor was waiting to tap home, Cue wild celebrations and a booking for Andy for removing his shirt.  We still had 3 minutes to survive the inevitable onslaught, with memories of EBOG still fresh, we stuck to our task to a man, and there was even time for one of the Finchley players to be sent off. We held out with relative ease to record our 5^th Victory of the season, and no doubt one of the most satisfying.

A really good performance from Cars Without a couple of key players. Coming from behind then scoring a late winner shows character we maybe didn’t have last season, when this probably would have finished level. If we can recreate this performance week in week out, we will definitely be in with a shout come the end of the season.

Tom Ritchie