Report

Our 3rd league fixture saw us start fifth in the league after 1 win and 1 loss. Playing against Bracknell under a beautiful late summer sun we hit top form and ran out comfortable victors 10-0 to see us rise to 3^rd in the league with a +10 goal difference. As a new team, the togetherness and interplay was at times nothing short of breathtaking.

The opposition were no mugs either. They had one lad who was possibly as an individual the best player on the pitch but in many ways that was the difference between the two sides. He was a big, strong lad who clearly wanted to do it all himself. Our emphasis has been, and will always on be on the team and today was a strong vindication of that approach and a reminder that team sport has to be about learning to play together rather than trying to excel on your own. In another fine example of the camaraderie we are trying to inspire both at footie and at rugby, Finn showed what team work is all about by coming along despite being injured to cheer on his mates. Well done Finn and we hope the knee is fit soon.

The goals came from captain for the day Matthew (3), Oscar (3), Ben L (3) – what a way to celebrate his birthday – and Lucas (1).

We were 3-0 up at half time and in the second half were irresistible. Jack was outstanding in goal all match - staying alert despite us having much of the territory and possession and making excellent saves when called upon. He deservedly was named our MVP (or Man of the Match if you prefer). In the second half we closed down their space and were first to almost every ball. The coaches were beaming as this has been our mantra in training.

There were too many goals to walk you through each and every one but 2 or 3 of them were straight of the training ground. Lovely simple one-two passing movements between in particular Ben L and Matthew and down the right and Ben L and Oscar down the left cut open the Bracknell team and led directly to goals. Having worked on this in training it was very pleasing to see the guys playing with heads up and running into space in the match.

10-0 could have been more. Oscar had a Torres moment and fired wide when through with just the keeper to beat and Ciaran, Ben L and Matthew all had chances to add to the tally but were either foiled by the Bracknell goalkeeper who rather perversely had a good game or too fluffed their lines. Ciaran in particular had an incredible second half. Rampaging down the left at will and cutting in looking for goal and on 2 occasions intelligently picking out a pass for a central runner he did everything bar score a goal and on another day could have had a hat-trick himself.

On a day like today it is tempting to think it was all about those that bagged the goals but it never is. Solid foundations are needed for every attack and Alex, Ben W and Felix, who shared most of the defensive burden, were utterly dependable and covered for each other well when the ‘big lad’ did come rampaging through pulling us out of position.

All in all not just a good day at the office but an excellent one.