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On a bitterly cold morning the kickoff was delayed to allow the pitch to thaw. The game kicked off 45 minutes late and Tooting & Mitcham were soon into their stride.  They played some excellent passing football and thoroughly deserved their win.  We played sporadically, and were not helped by being reduced to 9 players at one point through injury and illness.  No doubt that we were beaten by the superior side on the day. 

Despite the result and things going against us during the game, it was good to see how many players rose to the challenge and put in the extra effort, especially once we were 5-0 down.  Lesser teams would have folded and it is to our credit that we kept putting in the challenges and defending with spirit. Unfortunately a number of players did let their heads go down at various stages, but we must always remember that we win and lose as a team.  No-one lets their team mates down if they try their best.  We may get beaten by superior pace or skill and that is acceptable.  We can work hard in training and learn from our FA qualified coaching staff at the Club in order to improve individually and as a team, so we'll see you all (apart from those who have notified their unavailability) on Tuesday. 

I thought Dan had a great game in goal again and showed a great attitude.  I also want to mention Ben, Ryan, Mitchell and Arran who had excellent games. Those who have not been mentioned by name should not infer that they did not play well.  It is a very tough league we are in and sometimes we will come across opponents who are better than us on the day - it happens to all players at whatever level.  Remember we are in the top division in the WSYL.  I thought Tooting & Mitcham were the best side we have played this season, and we did well considering our problems on the day.  So keep your heads up boys, work hard at training and let's go into our League Cup semi final with our spirits up, and eager to play to our full potential.  As Paul and I stress, it is not about results, only about performances.  If you play well and lose, that is infinitely more pleasing than playing poorly and winning.  

So have a think about what you can do to improve your performance - repeat what you did well, and look at what can you do better.  Let's look forward to Sunday's semi final (2pm kick off at Ember Court, Molesey). 

I would like to make a special note of thanks to our parents and supporters who continued to provide encouragement when the kids needed it most.  Also to those who helped with setting up and taking down the goals.  Also many thanks to those who worked in the kitchen this week and were kept busy to the tune of almost £200.  Really appreciate this support.

Buzz