Scorers: Lefever-Jones/OG, White
Starting XI: Roberts, W.Dudmish, C.Dudmish, Soundy, Ware, White, Kennedy (Ditmir S), Tullet (Rodriguez), J.Dudmish, Smith (Waldrum), Lefever-Jones
After suffering three losses in a row in preseason, the AP 7s went into the first game of the season against Winchmore Hill hungry for a win. We lined up with the 4-2-3-1 formation which allowed for us to play our typical fluent and quick tempo football (lol).
Going into the game with an average age of around 21 we obviously had the edge in experience, which showed when around five minutes into the game we took the lead. The move started when J.Dudmish picked up the ball inside the centre circle and found Smith on the right flank, who then played a decent ball across the edge of Winchmore Hill’s area, to which Lefever-Jones finished through a deflected shot.
After managing to secure an early goal we went on to dominate the following 20-25 minutes. Through our dominance we created numerous chances, with Callum and Charlie linking up well, as well as Tommy and James doing well to boss the midfield and play in our wingers. With half time approaching we were caught napping when a ball was played over the top of our defence which saw their striker through on goal. Dan was quickest to react and managed to get a slide tackle in which seemed a really good last ditch tackle, but the ref deemed it to be a foul on the edge of the box. From the Winchmore Hill free kick Lewis Smith claimed his first goal of the season (shame it ended up in the wrong net) when the ball deflected off his head and into the goal, leaving Jamie no chance. HT 1-1.
We went into the second half going downhill, and continued the pressure on Winchmore Hill with us creating the majority of chances. With around fifteen minutes left to go we took a well-deserved lead, which came through Rodriguez flicking on Charlie’s long throw. The ball eventually found its way to Tommy White who showed class, coolness, composure and sheer quality to stroke the ball into the open goal from three yards or so out. Although quite lucky, the goal was well deserved. Throughout the final ten minutes our defence of W.Dudmish, Soundy, Ware and C.Dudmish showed confidence and strength to deal with any attacks Winchmore Hill threw our way. FT 2-1.
Everyone put a great shift in but MOTM goes to Callum Dudmish who played out of position at left-back through all of the ninety minutes and was solid throughout.
Great start to the season, same again next week boys!
