Scorers: Brade (2), Packham, Fullerton
And so a return to league fixtures and the hope of trying to string two results together. A trip to Broomfield is never one for the faint hearted, and the sight of a couple of their guy’s led me to believe this would no different.
We set up with AP’s answer to Alan Rough (for those who can remember him) in goal and a back four of Harry, Will, Andy and Ziggy. Midfield three of Dan Wilding (finally found his level), Leon and Adam. Front three of Jermaine, Kurt and Ashley, who Kurt had dragged from his sick bed. Not because we need him but because Kurt needed the ride. Liam and Karl Packham started on the bench.
We started the game well with the skipper looking surprisingly lively and setting up Jermaine within the first 90 seconds. Before hand we had pushed the point that every ball needs to be won or at least fought for, and to test the keeper as regularly as possible. Adam tested the keeper early on with a couple of stingers from range. In the middle Leon was doing his usual…..no not arguing with the oppo, but getting stuck in. Brooms realised they were in for a match especially as our movement and passing were both good. This was great considering the grass was a little shaggy. Harry and Ziggy were giving extra options going forward. Chances fell our way with the skips missing after forcing his way in to the area. Ash had a couple of pops and Dan and Adam continued to try their luck. Ash even tried a scissor kick, well I think that was what he was trying. Either way he made no contact with the ball and merely crashed to the ground. 4 out of 10 for artistic interpretation! We were beginning to get edgy on the touchline when the breakthrough came. Ash cut in from the touchline looking to shoot when instead he slipped a lovely pass into Kurt who ran onto the ball and finished first time with his trusty left foot (did I say trusty, I meant rusty). 1-0 and we continued in the same vein till half time although Brooms had upped their game and the final 5-10 mins were a little scrappy from our point of view as we allowed Brooms to get some decent possession.
Half time and we took stock and decided our next moves. The next goal would be crucial and we needed to ensure it was us who scored. Liam came on for Jermaine. As expected Brooms came straight at us and really asserted some pressure. We struggled to get a grip of the ball and it was not long before a beautiful through ball let their striker in who drove the ball across Andy into the far corner. We needed to up our game, and we did. Karl came on for Kurt to give us a different option as Ash and Liam looked to drive at their defence. Our second followed when Ash gave a Fevziesque drop of the shoulder to beat the defender in the area and hit a thunderbolt that the keeper could only parry, Karl the Poacher was onto it in a flash and lashed the ball in. Unfortunately we did not hold the lead for long as we switched off a little which led to a simple cross ball which they finished easily with Andy isolated.
Again we gained control of the game with the midfield trio working well, and using the width given by Ash and Liam. Our pressure led to several corners but we were unable to capitalise. Brooms sill looked dangerous on the break but Will and Smithy were having a good game with Smithy having a great game with some cracking challenges. He even managed to get booked for a tackle from behind….. he is just one angry SoB. Actually it was only just about a foul let alone a booking. We switched Ash to up front and Karl to the right as we tried to unsettle Brooms. We got our noses back in front with another driving run from Ash who was giving the defence a tough time. A shimmy and drop of the shoulder followed by a low drive which tucked in the corner. Finally the game was out of sight when Karl fired a long range cross towards Ash, the keeper and defender both missed it leaving Ash an easy tap in. Liam went close in the final minutes but the score remained the same.
A well deserved victory against a tough side. We controlled the game for long spells and the game should have been won before half time. That appears to be the main issue to address in that we have probably ten or twelve chances to get four goals yet Brooms have three good chances and score two. Regardless of this we showed a positive physical side when we needed to and as usual our passing was excellent. Everyone played their part, Jermaine absolutely tortured their left back, although he needs to think about bringing other players into his game think about where he is going as opposed to Kurt who is much better when he doesn’t think. Harry and Ziggy were solid in both directions and with Smithy, Will and Andy in goal the back line is looking as good a unit as it has all season. Leon is just a tackling animal which was a perfect compliment to Adam and Dan. Karl showed some lovely touches when he came on and took his goal well. Ash did what Ash does best, nuff said.
Next week we welcome Vamps, so ensure you come with the right attitude. Turn up early, do the nets and warm up. Then get stuck in to the Vamps like we really mean it. Remember every ball must be won or fought for.
