After a long journey to Acton and an even longer trek round Gunnersbury Park courtesy of tour guide Rick Morris, the 7s arrived just in time for kick off and ready for battle. Any doubts about the lack of a warm up leading to a slow start were dispelled in the first few minutes, when Jay Breen embarked on a driving run from the half way line and exchanged passes with Matt Boymon before heading home into an empty net.

This goal should have been the catalyst for Carshalton to roll over Old Actonians. However, what followed was twenty or so minutes of the worst football Cars have played all season as we were pinned back in our half. Although we got ourselves together for the last ten minutes of the first half, the 7s were relieved to hear the half time whistle.

The second goal was always going to be crucial in this tight match and fortunately, it went the way of Carshalton. A Tony Barrett long ball was met by Matt Boymon on the edge of the Actonians area and his acrobatic scissor kick clipped the underside of the bar before hitting the back of the net. A truly great goal and one that will not be topped all season.

Inexplicably, after this goal the Actonians back line decided to defend ten yards inside the Carshalton half, leaving acres of space in behind for the 7s strikers Breen and Adam Lemon. Breen took full advantage to score Cars third, racing onto a through ball to round the keeper and a covering defender before slotting the ball into the empty net. The striker completed his hat-trick moments later with a similar effort; this time electing to lob the onrushing keeper.

The last twenty or so minutes were just a matter of keeping our cool as the Actonians players, clearly disappointed at having the game snatched from their grasp in such a short time period, tried to ‘put it about a bit.’ However, this 7s team, although young, won’t be bullied and we more than held our own.

All in all, a good win on the road for the 7’s and a welcome return to football from Grant Collins who came off the bench for the last 20. There are whispers within the camp about league titles and cup runs, and with away performances like this, they might just get a little louder.

Jay Breen