Scorers – Hancock, Spencer.
A good win that secures our position in division 2 for next season, and will allow us to push on up the table with 6 games to go. The day started with double shock, when arriving AP players were stunned to see Les not only on time but early, and Simmo having trimmed his beard and had a haircut, which now makes him resemble an Open University lecturer circa 1985. We waited in vain for a no show so travelled down to Thames Ditton knowing Karnell and Dan would be there to give us 12.
We found a decent surface, if the grass was not a little bit long. We spoke about the importance of getting the result by playing the excellent football we are capable of, which comes when we are relaxed and confident. This was sadly lacking last week, when we were panicked throughout.
We started well, keeping the ball easily at the back and in midfield. Weirside are severely struggling and it was not hard to see why – they were only really getting any joy by pumping balls into the box, but we were playing into their hands by giving away stupid, cheap fouls. Bardgie in goal was able to deal admirably with the balls that came in, and fielded some speculative efforts from range. We took the lead when the Skips shanked a cross in that Ben cleverly dummied to allow Rich to hammer into the bottom corner. Get in.
At half time was not to give away cheap free kicks as their only real threat came from long balls into the box and to attack the ball in the air, not letting it bounce, but in true AP style we proceeded to do the exact opposite in both.
We had plenty of opportunities to kill the game off – Tom, Karnell and the Skips all coming close with good chances, but it was not until we introduced the pace of Les midway through the half that we really threatened. The second goal came when the oppo fullback had a complete mare and let the ball run under his foot – Ben nipped in and fed Tom who coolly ran through and slipped it under the Keeper. 2-0 – Game over.
Weirside hit the post late on, but rarely troubled us. We really do need to put teams away though. A decent performance after the previous week.
Team: Bargett, McLoughlin (Manu), Jeator, Simpson, Wilding, Cornibert, Hancock, Wilson, Carter, Harvey, Spencer.
MOTM – Spencer – ran his balls off.
