sponsored by

We arrived at the ground half an hour before their players and management arrived.  By KO time they were still putting up the nets and no referee had appeared.  Not ideal preparation for a Surrey Cup game.  The pitch was very small and a quagmire - certainly not what we are used to playing on.

We had to adapt our normal passing game to allow for the conditions.  Though we did play some good football, we were definitely held back by the condition of the pitch.  We took the game to them from the off and the pressure on the Surf FC goal eventually led to an excellent goal.  Arran delivered an thumping cross which was met with a powerful header by Ryan giving the keeper no chance.  Bit of a surprise to see Ryan so far up front, but he had been freed from his normal defensive duties.

Not long after, Carshalton were awarded a penalty with a blatant push in the back in the box from a throw in.  This did not meet with universal approval from the Surf bench, who can only have been unsighted.  Thankfully the ref had an excellent view.  Arran stepped up and slotted home.  Following incessant pressure on the Surf goal, Carshalton scored a third when, during a scramble in the box, an unfortunate defender lost his bearings and his attempted clearance ended up in the net. 

In the second half both teams struggled to cope with the deteriorating pitch and both sets of players deserve credit for trying to play football.  Carshalton added a couple more goals through Simon and Ben to make the scoreline more of a reflection of the balance of play.  All our boys conducted themselves well, keeping their discipline in trying circumstances.  I thought Ryan and Mitchell had standout performances, while others had very good games in unfamiliar positions (David up front produced arguably the save of the season stopping a thunderbolt from Simon!!).  Best wishes to Charlie who will be out for some time following an injury at rugby.  Get well soon - we will miss you.

Good luck to the Surf FC players in their Tandridge League campaign.  A couple of their players apologised for the comments coming from the sidelines throughout the game.  The players showed how to lose with dignity and are a credit to their club.

We go on to face Stoneleigh Athletic on 21st January in the last 16 of the competition.

Buzz