This was another exciting local clash between 2 teams who always serve up 4 goals in their matches.  This time Carshalton had the better of the luck and had better finishing to maintain their strong start to the season.  As last week, Carshalton started slowly, but came back into the game by looking threatening on the break.  For the first 10 minutes Gas United had the edge, but failed to pierce the home defence.  Already without the services of Tom with a knee injury, Carshalton were forcedto bring Ben off very early on when he clearly hadn't recovered from an earlier pull.

With one of their first attacks, Carshalton forced a slight fumble from the keeper and Michael pounced to bring the ball clear and score in the unguarded net.  For the next 10 minutes Carshalton enjoyed their best spell of play and scored again when Kristian latched on to a clearance, headed the ball down, went 1-on-1 with the defender, before lobbing the keeper from 20 yards (I was distracted speaking to our sub, so thanks Paul for the description).

2-0 up at halftime and confidence was spreading through the team.  this showed in the second half when we played some nice passing football.  Jake almost made it 3-0 when he just failed to get his foot round the ball when alone at the back post.  But it was not long before we added to our score - and what a good goal it was.  Ruaridh, Kristian and Arran combined on the right before Ruaridh flicked the ball in the air and volleyed it over the advancing keeper from 15 yards.

Just when it looked like Carshalton might add to their tally, Gas United got the reward for their own good play and scored by lobbing the keeper and volleying into the empty net.  That made for a nervous last 10 minutes, but neither side could add to their score, despite constantly flowing attacks from both sides.

We are obviously delighted with the win, but more for the manner of the performance against a good established top flight side.  Once again the game was played in excellent spirit by players, handled well by officials and watched enthusiastically by both sets of supporters.  Good luck to Lee and his team for the rest of the season.  Many thanks also to Lenny Prince for refereeing the game so well.

Next week is Surrey Cup week.  We host the unknown quantity of Claygate Royals Griffins, who being another WSYL side will be a tough proposition.  We will need to continue to be at our best in order to progress.

Buzz