Goals from everywhere 

When we set up the Under 15s we were thinking we might hold our own in the Premiership and possibly have a reasonable run in a cup.  During the pre season work, there were times when we worried whether we would be able to compete in the top Sunday League in the South East.  I well remember thinking after the Croydon Athletic pre season warm up game when we lost - "if we don't improve we will get murdered in the Premiership".  How wrong I was.  

We have ended up with a great bunch of lads who are very skilful, committed and professional.  Sunday saw the lads first reward for all the hard work.  Whilst we are still one win from lifting silverware and must not ease off our endeavours the nice thing for the boys is - they are going to get a great day out at the final!  On behalf of your management team, parents and friends well done lads - a superb achievement. 

Sunday's game started slowly and for the first 20 minutes the Carshalton boys looked nervous and were resorting to too many 'just get rid of it' high balls.  The result was the tall Walton defenders were easily able to clear their lines and this type of play was making them look good.  Carshalton are a side of very skilful players who are at their best when they get the ball on the ground and pass.  This was not happening in the first 20 minutes and as a result we looked ordinary.  Matters were also not helped by a number of somewhat questionable assistant referee decisions which ruled Chris Tupper and Jack Mesure offside when they had clear scoring chances 

The deadlock was broken following a goal mouth scrap and Chris slotted home.  Jack Mesure not to be out done followed this up with a skillful goal and Carshalton went 2-0 up.  At this point Carshalton were settling down. Darren Wells looked solid in defence and whilst the Walton boys enjoyed a significant height advantage, Luke Adam's ability to time the jump to head the ball made it seem like he was 6ft 4inches and Carshalton had little difficulty in controlling the high ball.  Tom Lawler and Jack Goodman and later David Booth also added to a solid professional defensive performance. 

In midfield, Dan Coombes produced yet another excellent performance.  Aaron Williams battled well and even after a clash of heads worked hard until he was substituted.  The substitution brought with it formation changes and Jack Goodman was able to get more forward with Luke covering.  This worked well and everyone was delighted to see Jack score.  Robert Turner had one of his best games this season and I expect Graham Polly must be delighted that Rob is fully fit and firing on all cylinders at this stage of the season. Rob's goal was just reward for all his hard work.  Oliver Adams running and positional play was giving the Walton defence real problems and up front Chris and Jack never stopped battling. Both players were getting a lot of stick from a Walton defence that were finding it difficult to keep up and as a consequence and due to frustration were putting in late tackles.  Indeed Jack got a nasty gash to the leg following a late tackle and Chris was booked after the referee waived away a clear penalty as two defenders sandwiched him and out of frustration he kicked the ball away. 

To safeguard his forward line Graham Polley substituted Chris and Jack to give Mark Pucek and Richard Matthews a run out.  You would think that taking two players off in quick succession the team's balance might be affected. Not at Carshalton - Richard's running and hard work nearly paid off almost immediately and Mark's battling gave a now very tied Walton defence major problems.  Now for the big question was it an own goal or did Darren Wells get on the score sheet.  For the answer you will have to read my next seven match reports - I jest it was a Darren Wells goal and well deserved too. 

What a day what a squad performance.  Each and every player did his bit and Stevie Greenslade that includes you.  Whilst you did not get on you supported your team mates showed your commitment and this win was as much down to you as any of the players. 

Mark Cowhig, Darren wells, Jack Goodman, Luke Adams, Tom Lawler, Dave Booth, Oliver Adams, Aaron Williams, Rob Turner, Dan Coombes, Chris Tupper, Jack Mesure, Richard Matthews, Mark Pucek.

Lee Tupper