Yet another windy day for our match. Against a combined Woodleigh and Bramcote team, we were hopeful of continuing our gradual improvement. I put all eligible boys' names on the squad list and intended giving all a part to play.
We got off to a good start for a change, getting an early goal, courtesy of Edward Thompson, moving forward from midfield to put a shot between the unfortunate goalie's legs. It seemed to take an eternity to cross the line. But it did.
Cameron was playing in an advanced role today after some impressive offensive moves seen in previous games, and soon got his name on the scoresheet after skipping past a couple of challenges. His quick, confident feet and urgency in attack seems to invigorate those around him.
We were seeing some good flowing moves with crisp passing between Joe Nordli, Charlie Buchanan and Charlie Tannnahill. Steven made it 3 - 0 after another good build up, eventually receiving a back heeled ball just inside the area and delivering a languid shot, reminiscent of Le Tissier, that sailed gloriously into the top left corner.
At half time, Nathan Chapman, who'd been solid in defence and Edward Thompson, busy and effective in midfield, gave way for Harvey Wright and Tom Pycock; the latter just failing to notch his first goal when his shot crept just wide of an upright. It's a shame I haven't resisted mentioning the fact that it was an open goal. Sorry, Tom!
Steven scored his second goal after another nice move that ultimately delivered the ball to his feet inside the area. His straight, low shot beat the keeper; 4- 0.
Joe Nordli had been creative and industrious all afternoon and deservedly got a goal with peach of a half volley from the edge of the box that the goalkeeper got his fingers to but couldn't stop from dropping beneath the bar.
Saki and Joseph Elliott were replaced after their excellent hard work by Thomas Lister and Reece Jones, both making their debuts. Cameron and Charlie B had dropped back to shore up an inexperienced defence but we conceded a goal after some determined play by Woodleigh/Bramcote's boys, who to their very great credit were still competing hard. Our opponents had some useful players and their goalie had made some extremely brave saves at the feet of our attackers on numerous occasions. Their goal was certainly no fluke and was scant reward for their commendable endeavour throughout the match.
A long ball bomb from King Jack in goal was moved quickly into the danger zone by Joe's superb pass for Charlie T to fire home and make it 6 - 1. This was followed by another through ball landing kindly for Steven Jones who eluded a grounded keeper to roll it into an unguarded net for his hat-trick.
It's great for morale to win by such a score but one feels for the opposition who hadn't let their heads drop despite getting mauled and kept trying to the final whistle. It's no fun to be on the receiving end of such a scoreline - we've been there ourselves in the past - so I tip my hat to them for their sterling effort and sporting attitude.
We travel to Red House in Stockton on Wednesday for our next fixture. It'll be a tough one - they usually have a good squad of footballers and we'll need to be at the top of our game to get a result. Let's hope today's match has imbued the boys with sufficient confidence to give a good account of themselves.
Thanks once again to Mr Glen for his refereeing and to the parents who braved the blustery conditions to cheer us on. A mention too for the kitchen staff and matrons, who certainly had their hands full this afternoon with so many matches taking place. Needless to say the sports participants were well catered for.
Team: Charters, Lodge, Kaitoga (sub. Lister), Elliott (sub. R. Jones), Chapman (sub. Pycock), Buchanan, Thompson (sub. Wright), Nordli, Tannahill, S. Jones, Keanurico.
Score: Won 7 -1
