With a couple of players out and Rick Morris opting for an unfamiliar 4-5-1 formation, Carshalton didn't seem to find their feet from the kick-off with Old Westminster enjoying most of the possession for the first 20 minutes. But with Carshalton coping with their numerous crosses and limiting them to pot shots from outside of the box, we soon took the lead with our first chance of the match.  Good work from the midfield led to a through ball to Lemo's feet and Carshalton's top scorer dispatched his shot into the bottom corner to give Carshalton a possibly undeserved lead. 

The goal lifted our spirits and within another 5 minutes another ball found Lemo with acres of time and space, and with a cool finish Lemo slotted in his 24th of the season to increase his lead at the top of the goalscorers chart.  Despite our 10 minute spell of possession, Old Westminster kept battling hard for the ball and just before half time a shot from outside the box found its way past a diving Mark Brown to make the score 2-1 going into half time.   Some wise words from Rick and the newly appointed captain were followed by a decision to bring Dylan into the centre of midfield to play a holding role which ended up being a great tactical change. Cars came out knowing that another goal was a must, as Westminster would not give up the game easily and 7 minutes from the restart Carshalton duly obliged as a corner was met by an almighty leap by the "awesome" Jon Hill where he headed the ball back to the near post where Jim Armstrong was there with his renowned agility to move his head an inch to put the ball in from a yard out. 

The second half continued to be a pretty even affair but with 10 minutes left and Cars 3-1 up, the referee decided that every time the ball went out he should stop his watch, so the last 10 minutes stretched to about 20 and with Westminster seemingly enjoying the majority of the decisions they finally turned in one of their many free kicks with a headed goal.  With the minutes counting down on the clock it was down to Cars to grind out a win and not to concede another goal.  Some fine headed clearances from Jon Hill and Tony Barrett were backed up with a goal line clearance from Jim, an ever battling Lemo and some brave challenges by Dylan.  Unfortunately Dylan's bravery led to him getting injured with 30 seconds left on the clock but Cars held on with 10 men to take the points. 

Later news from the hospital have shown that Dylan has torn his ankle ligaments and will be out for the remainder of the season.  Although disappointing, Dylan can be proud of his contribution to the team this season helping us to 2nd in the table and to a cup semi final.  We all wish him a speedy recovery.   

MOM - Joint this week. Tony Barrett and Dylan were voted joint MOM this week both putting in battling performances, especially Dylan playing in a new role.   

P.S. I went bowling that night and beat Lemo and the other 6 bowlers.

Tony Barrett