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The convoy of cars left Tolworth Station at 12.30 to the unknown lands of Middlesex, yes we do play in the West Surrey Youth league.  The opposition were new into the League and my first impression was that they will try to intimidate their way to the title.  These tactics were effective due to the ineffective handling of the match, but countered by the fact that our boys were not to be pushed to one side that easily.

We started the game brightly with some neat passing on a very green pitch.  It looks like Sportsturf do not have the contract at Uxbridge.  We were far the better team.  They were physical and not as tactical.  We started creating chances but our finishing was woeful with the best chance falling to Mark Pucek who spooned over from 6 yards.  Coombes and Williams were running the midfield and our back 4 were in charge. 

After 25 minutes we were dealt a serious blow when Jack Mesure suffered a dead leg and took no further part in the game.  The reshuffle meant pushing Ollie Adams up front; he was to play a major part in the game.  A lack of concentration by Dave Booth at the back let in Uxbridge for a goal against the run of play.  

As the referee allowed discipline to lapse on the field, the opposition took this as their cue to be more physical.  Those who know us realise this is a dangerous ploy.  Tom "The Terminator" Lawler greeted the winger with a tackle that was fair, but made our opposition think a little bit.  sometimes you have to fight fire with fire.  The game was reaching boiling point and it was good to hear the half time whistle.  

A good constructive chat and lesson in self discipline went down well.  A good through ball saw Ollie Adams bought down in the area and Goodman gleefully accepted the chance.  The opposition were dangerous after being pegged back to 1-1 and it took some great keeping from my MOM Mark Cowhig in between the sticks to keep us in the game.  Halfway in the second half, a long free kick deep into the Uxbridges box was met by Stevie Greenslade to leap and loop a header over the keeper.  A further goal from Phillips wrapped the game up to give us a very good gritty 3 points.  

Not many teams will get points against this team.  They might get a few bruises.

Graham Polley