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Carshalton came into this game in confident mood after a very encouraging pre season.  Things started very well and Beecholme were forced to defend in the early stages.  This early pressure paid off when Arran drilled a shot from the edge of the box into the corner of the net.  More pressure followed and we looked to be well on course for a convincing win.  However 10 minutes of defensive madness cost us dear as we seemed to lose our concentration - something we simply can not afford to do at this level.  Suddenly we were 1-4 down - all goals could easily have been avoided.

When David pulled one back just before halftime we still felt the game was there for us to take.  However Beecholme's strong forward took the ball from the kickoff and ran through our midfield and defence almost unchalleneged to restore the 3 goal cushion at half time.

We did peg them back to 3-5 thanks to the goal of the game when Arran beat a couple of players before smashing a 25 yard drive into the top corner - unstoppable.  Unfortunately we didn't build on this and we forgot all about our passing, preferring simply to play the long ball.  Beechholme's impressive forward thumped an unchallenged header in directly from a corner to maintain their 3 goal advantage.

Lesson's to be learned - we need everyone to turn up for the game.  Some boys were simply not at the races today.  We also need to utilise our strength by passing the ball to each other and using the width of the pitch.  We will not get anything this season by pumping the ball down the middle.

Huge disappointment, but not the end of the world!  We can all learn from this and take the team forward.  Lord knows we created enough chances, especially at the start of the game to be 3-0 in the lead.  Let's get back to everyone playing for each other and bring a smile back to those faces.  Thanks to all the parents for their support and to Tony for running the line.

Buzz