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A winning start to the West Surrey Youth League Division 1 campaign, and a very satisfactory performance.  The instructions were to have defenders defending, plenty of passing and shots on target.  Two out of three is not bad.  On the rare occasions we did get the ball down and pass, we looked a very good team.  I'm sure we will learn from this.

We deserved the win, and the final result was not as convincing as our performance.  However, Tooting & Mitcham put up a robust defence and made it difficult for us.  That said, we created enough chances to have sealed the game long before the final whistle.  With a couple of players feeling below par, it was pleasing that the whole squad came up trumps and we had no passengers on the field.

The winning goal came midway through the second half.  A short throw in by Luke was clipped into the box by Ruaridh and the keeper struggled to control it.  Joseph had no such problems and pounced on the loose ball to volley home from close range.  

There can be little doubt about our man of the match.  Conor was immense at the back, winning tackles, making vital interceptions and coming forward with the ball.  He was ably assisted by Owen, who had another good game.  Daniel was safe in goal on the rare occasions he was called upon.  We controlled midfield for most of the game with Ben, Luke (despite injury), Arran (despite a cold), Ruaridh and Joseph all running their hearts out.  Up front Lewis and Jordan led the line well and with a bit more composure could have finished the game off as a contest.  All successful teams are built on a good defence.  If the boys continue to defend throughout the team like this, we should have a successful season. 

Buzz