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A marked improvement across the whole team this week.  Unfortunately it took a bit of time to get there, which gave the opportunity to the opposition to capitalise.  The pre match brief highlighted the requirement to close the play early, particularly shutting it down centrally to avoid distance shooting.  It is fair to say that the first goal was a fine move followed by an excellent finish that Dan had no chance of stopping.  We were at this point too far off our man and ineffective in our challenges.  Shortly afterwards we concede again this time we should have dealt with it comfortably - it was a soft goal. 

So we created ourselves an uphill challenge and heads could have easily have dropped considering our recent results.  But no.  Fair play from that point on there were no significant individual errors and we got going.  Crisper passing coupled with sharper movement opened up our game.  No longer second to the ball and we were quick on the break.  A mis-timed challenge in the box gave Simon the opportunity to get us back into the game with a coolly struck penalty.  Progressively all the boys upped their game and we leveled the score with a real poacher's goal by Ben just before the break. 

Second half we were assured and solid man for man.  The defence looked reminiscent of earlier times in the season.  Confident and strong, positionally good so they dealt well with the play aerially and on the ground as a unit. Centrally we looked more assertive and looked to have taken the lead had it not been for an amazing piece of goal keeping denying us.  

Boys, a lot of character today well done 7/10. The game finished on an unfortunate note with a very brave young man requiring hospital treatment to his shoulder.  All at Carshalton FC send our best wishes to him and his family for a speedy recovery. We thank Andy for good a game of football played in the right spirit and for helping out with the venue due to our unfortunate predicament regarding our goalposts.  We wish them good fortune in their forthcoming Surrey Cup final. 

Moving on, we have to note the move of the day and this goes to a more senior member of the Carshalton FC U12s family.  He had it on his left, moved it to his right, pulled it back wham a great strike with precision and accuracy.  What technique!  The crowd went silent all but for a few.  Jane, yes you, the terraces at Beddington Park can officially sing to you who ate all the pie. A great afternoon was spent in the park.  Thanks to everyone who helped bring it together.  Extra special thanks to Doug & Sue, Tracey and Jane - not just for being a great sport.

Paul