As usual in the games between these sides, this was a keenly and fairly contested match played in good spirit.  A fantastic result and excellent performance for Carshalton against a very strong Oxshott Royals team.  We battled throughout and survived a fair amount of pressure in the first 20 minutes, but the important thing was that we held out and gradually took a foothold in the game.  Jake almost opened the scoring when he met a drilled cross at the far post but his powerful header flew over the bar.  That would have been some goal!  We took the lead late in the first half when Ruaridh latched on to the ball and poked it home from 6 yards.  Soon after we almost added a second when Jake's header came back off the post and into the keeper's arms.

In the second half, Oxshott continued to apply the pressure and enjoy the majority of possession, but were unable to penetrate our last line of defence.  Dan had a superb performance in goal - just about everything stuck in his gloves and anything that was parried was pounced on before the attackers could reach the ball.  The fact he was voted man of the match by the Kevin, the Oxshott Royals manager, speaks volumes for his performance and also reflects the type of game it was - Oxshott enjoying more pressure, but Carshalton creating the more clear-cut chances.

Oxshott almost equalised but Owen played the captain's role and chased the ball and cleared off the line from under the bar.  With full time fast approaching, Kristian, Arran and Jake broke away.  Jake took the ball wide to the left of the box and guided an expert shot high into the net from 18 yards to secure the win and settle the nerves on the touchline.

Everyone in the green shirts played their part in this performance - not one passenger today.  The defence held firm when under the cosh (some great heading from Ryan partnering Owen at the heart of the defence), the midfield battled for everything and supported in numbers when we got forward and Kristian battled selflessly up front.  We looked extremely dangerous each time we broke at pace.

Many thanks to Kevin and the rest of the Oxshott management, referee and parents for their hospitality.  I don't think there will be many sides who pick points up here this season, as Oxshott at a very strong and well drilled team.  I'm sure the set pieces will pick up many goals on another day.  Good luck for the rest of the season.  

And many thanks on behalf of our boys for the wonderful, positive support given by our supporters, who were large in number.  It gave the boys a great lift today.  Thanks.

Buzz