After last week's lethargic effort, Carshalton U11s were back to their best - and needed to be against a combative Worcester Park side who had won all their games so far this season.  Despite a vigourous warm-up, Carshalton started slowly again in the first 10 minutes.  we are going to have to find another way to get them going right from the start.  suggestions on a postcard please.  Indeed it was only after Worcester Park opened the scoring with a long range punt that bounced high over Daniel, that Carshalton got going.  Moving Ryan into midfield made a significant difference.

We produced a sustained spell of pressure and almost equalised when a fine flowing move was almost finished off at the far post, but Ruaridh miskicked when open.  Not long after this came the equaliser.  Kristian's corner was met by the head of Jake, who had ghosted in unmarked and planted his header in at the far post.  Not long after, Carshalton took the lead with the best goal of the game.

With his back to his marker, Arran flicked the ball over his head, spun and drove down the right wing.  He then delivered a perfect cross that was met at the near post by Kristian whose flying volley gave the keeper no chance.  Fantastic stuff.  This is how the half finished.

The second half started evenly, but as the game wore on, Carshalton took advantage of the slope and looked more and more assured.  The third goal came thanks to a through ball which was threaded behind the defence for Kristian to latch on to, outpace the defenders and shoot confidently past the advancing keeper.  That looked to have settled matters, though Worcester Park continued to battle hard.

Suddenly with 8 minutes to go, Worcester Park were awarded a penalty that was tucked away neatly.  Game very much on.  Worcester Park missed a golden opportunity to equalise almost immediately after when their forward headed over from close range.  that was the signal for our boys to step up a gear.  Arran made it 4-2 with a brilliant solo effort, turning and twisting an burying his shot high into the net and soon after, Kristian completed his hattrick with another clear run on the keeper, and another assured finish.

A great performance by all the boys.  They showed great character to come back from being behind for the first time this season and reacted well as a team to prevent them being out-muscled by their strong opponents.

In the next round on 6 November we face an away trip to Whitton Wanderers.  Next week we travel to Epsom Eagles for what will be another tough game.  Training this week is Tuesday 4th October 6.30pm - 7.30pm at the Powerleague, Hannibal Way, Wallington.

Buzz