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The U11s were taught a footballing lesson on Sunday.  We were beaten to just about every header, tackle and second ball.  Molesey were sharper than us and were more competitive.  They certainly knew how to play to their strengths.

However, their management and officials agreed that the scoreline was a little flattering on them.  Certainly they deserved to win.  Our first half display was very pleasing, but we still managed to go in 0-3 down.  The goals we conceded were all preventable, and Paul and myself have a few ideas which we'll pass on.  Clearing the ball being the first!  Molesey opened the scoring midway through the half, capitalising on an individual mistake, during a period of pressure.  The second came soon after when the ball was stopped on the line, rather than being booted to safety.  The third came from a direct free kick right on halftime - nothing we can to about a ball which goes straight in above the keeper's reach in these full sized goals.  However, we should know by now that we can't afford to give teams in this division the opportunity to have a free shot from 20 yards.

We still believed it was possible to get something out of the game at halftime, and we stared brightly, only for a looping long range shot to drop under the bar and into the net.  Still we continued to battle and deservedly got on the scoresheet when Kristian's corner was met by Mitchell 5 yards out to guide the ball into the net.  Any hopes of a comeback were snuffed out when Molesey scored the best goal of the game - a lovely passing move finished off with a drive high into the net.  We seemed to have scored right at the end but the ball was adjudged not to have crossed the line.

There were tears of frustration at the end, which rather then being a sign of weakness, shows the passion that our boys have for their football.  We have no problem with that.  Plenty of commitment and courage shown when teams of weaker character would have folded.  There was no shame in our performance.  Plenty of bottle and endeavour shown, but a definite lack of sharpness and anticipation to react to the second ball.  Congratulations to Mitchell on his first goal for the Club - and well done to everyone for keeping their heads up when things weren't going our way.  We have seen what we need to do to compete with the best.  Now we train hard and think about the lessons we have learned from Sunday.

Well done to Gary and his boys, who will be right up there in contention for the title at the end of the season.  Thanks to all who worked in the kitchen.  Thanks also to all ADS Associates staff who turned out for the game.  Pity about the result, but I'm sure you were impressed by the standard of football these 10 year olds are playing at.  We hope to see you down again this season when we can open the clubhouse fully for you (bring some lucky heather with you next time!!)

Buzz