Scorer: Egan
It was back to the Racecourse for the first eleven on a bizarrely hot October day. A big game between two unbeaten sides and we knew we had to improve on the poor Lyonians showing.A lovely new kit awaited us, however the shorts were a little on the skimpy side for some of the taller lads. The vulgar image of Dan Jones in what seemed like hot pants undoubtedly having a negative effect on the mental preparation.
Motivated (although slightly traumatised) we started positively. The pitch was in top condition and we moved the ball well. A couple of early efforts were brilliantly saved by a surprisingly agile keeper. We edged the first twenty, with good quality delivery from both flanks but we had to be wary of a rather pacey oppo attack.
Stationers took the lead after half an hour with a bit of a soft goal. A header from a corner looped skyward off the bar, the dropping ball was unchallenged and was thumped home on the volley.
After an awkward 5 minutes, we battled back with a set piece goal of our own. A game of 6 yard box pinball came to an end in the opposition net, eventually ricocheting off the additional layer of sun cream Egan had applied prior to kick off.
The game became a little more scrappy in the second half but we dominated territorially. I can’t remember Stationers mustering more than a couple of efforts from distance. Unfortunately we couldn’t apply the finishing touches to our own good work. Whilst you have to credit their keeper, we need to be more ruthless in games we dominate if we want to get out of this league. That said, the performance was an improvement from Lyonians and we are still unbeaten. If we can find a further gear and keep the ball just that little bit better, the draws will become wins. Let’s get a good showing at training Wednesday.
Egan gets the MOM for a dominant performance, although a special mention to Dan Gunyon who was assured despite being out of position at right back.
Team: Simpson, Gunyon, Patterson ©, Egan, Shaw-Morris, Nicholau, Jones, Fabb (Kenga), Morris, K. O’Leary (D.O’Leary), Kelly.
