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This game was played on an excellent home surface, especially consider the torrential overnight conditions.  We started brightly, passing the ball around nicely and making Barnes Eagles chase shadows for a while.  There were early chances which we failed to take, and after 10 minutes it looked a bit like many of our games this season, with dominance of possession and nothing to show for it on the scoreboard.

However, our nerves were eased when Simon was put through on the keeper and rather than slotting the ball home, decided to "do a Ronaldinho" and lobbed the ball over the keeper and onto the bar and then smashed the rebound past the keeper from 10 yards.  Don't remember practicing that one in training!

From then on it was fairly one way traffic and we added further goals before halftime from David with a powerful strike and Arran who finished coolly past the advancing keeper.  Just before halftime we were given a wake up call when Barnes Eagles snatched a lifeline with just about their only attack of significance.  We switched off at the back and were punished by an excellent strike from just inside the box.

We played better in the second half and deservedly scored further goals as Simon nipped in at the front post to concert and excellent cross from David, Arran gave another demonstration of his outstanding skills, Simon completed a thoroughly well deserved hattrick and we then scored the goal of the game: following a very well worked passing move involving a number of the midfield, David was released and advanced to the goal line before pulling the ball back for the onrushing Ruaridh to pass the ball high into the net.  Barnes did pull one back from the penalty spot but by then the game was over as a contest.

Most pleasing today was the way we played the football - on the floor when ever possible and using the space either wide and often through the middle.

Good luck to Barnes Eagles whose players battled throughout and never threw in the towel.  I hope they get some praise and encouragement for that and that they are given the opportunity to enjoy the rest of the season.  Their keeper made a number of fine saves.

Special mention for a man of the match performance from Simon, not just for his hattrick, but for the continual selfless running throughout the game.  He along with a resurgent David caused their defence problems at all times.  There were other performances of note with Arran, Jake, Ruaridh and especially Mitchell dominant in midfield.  

Next week we are at home in the League Cup quarter final with Molesey Juniors.  It should be a cracking game following the 1-1 league draw earlier in the season.  We hope for as many supporters to turn out again and cheer the boys on.  Once again there was great encouragement today from our side and this helps the boys play their football in a positive atmosphere.  Thanks to all who put up and took down the goals and a special mention to David's dad who has donated raffle prizes for the past few weeks.  Tracey will be looking to share the burden around the families of the other boys starting next week (with me!)

Buzz