League Cup - Sunday 17^th January

Team: Dan, Will, Harry L, Chris, Toby, David, Chico, Harry M, Simon, Jack   Subs: Lewis, Sam, Oliver

Over a month since our last fixture and one game in nine weeks and playing a very good Sutton Utd side from the Premier Elite in a much postponed cup game, just what we needed really to kick-start our season. However, where we sluggish and poor in our last game against same division opposition, today we were full of the good things that we preach as part of the way we aspire to play.  We started with an excellent tempo, with everyone intent to make their mark.  Straight from the off, the likes of Chico and Harry M got hold of the midfield and teaming up with a very lively Simon and Ruaridh we moved the ball crisply and competed excellently.

Chris marshalled and led well at the back, alongside an intelligent performance by Harry L.  Will at right back was superb and showed a tenacity and upness for the game that was a pleasure to watch.  Toby was his own tenacious self, matching the high standards he has set all season. It was all in all a really pleasing opening performance, marred only by a questionable opening goal for Sutton which looked offside.  Dan made his mark with a stunning one handed save at the foot of the post. The introduction of Lewis, Sam and Oliver was slightly checked when Sutton scored a second from a corner, but we never gave up and the movement of Sam and Lewis wide and upfront bodes well against more modest opposition.

Our gallant efforts started to fade as tiredness started to take hold and a well worked third goal followed by a softer fourth goal gave the game a scoreline that probably did not reflect the truth of the matter. The second half saw a more stoic performance defensively and although they scored a fifth, our movement continued to be impressive.  Simon floated in from the right and his excellent technique and deceptive strength were the springboard for many of our openings.  We had our chances – Harry M with the best when he stole behind the defence to have his effort blocked; Jack firing in a killer left foot drive and a header; David cutting in from the left to shoot straight at the keeper; Sam letting rip with a couple of long range shots; Lewis driving past the far post.  All this when we were 0-5 down, a very impressive show of grit and never say die attitude.

The only sour note was an injury to Chico, who had given a combative performance all game but in a tussle for possession he stumbled and in trying to stop himself falling ended up fracturing his wrist.  He will be out of action for six weeks, a big loss given the way that he’s central midfield partnership with Harry M has blossomed this season. Sutton got a 6th which in the context of the game did not matter. What matters was the excellent response we got from the players following the most prolonged spell of inactivity I have known. Buzz and I feared the worst buut ended up being proud of the boys. Bring on the league!

Paul Turner