SELF BELIEF

Subs

• Barnes for Hill 

• Barber for Halloran

• Foster for McLoughlin

I saw something from our boys today that I have waited a long long time for.. Self belief.  It wasn’t there to start with but as the game went on I could see it beginning to show.

The days started as a bit of a shambles really and I was getting bad vibes about the day.  The problems started when the new kit didn’t arrive (yet again).  I had taken Jim’s kit off him when he got injured so that I could give it to Dayle. So when Jim announced himself fit for this game it didn’t cross my mind that he was kit less and also bootless as Mike Halloran had borrowed Jim’s boots and when we went to collect them Mike’s dad had gone to work and the boots were locked in.  Next was the problem with the fact that were waiting to start our game but the game before ours went to extra time and penalties.  Luckily common sense prevailed and we used the other pitch.  It is on a day like today that Rachael really showed her worth.  While Mark and I were running round looking for boots and kits and filling in forms, Rach was on hand to get the lads warmed up. 

I had a few minutes with the lads at the beginning as they didn’t seem as up for this game as last weeks.

We got under way and very quickly we were in control.  We looked very lively attacking and rather than only having 1 or 2 players who we are hoping will score I think we have at least 6 this season.  Defensively we were yet again sound with Graham particularly impressive at left back.

The 1st goal had to come and it soon did when Alex fed Halloran and he ran through to make it 1-0.  One quickly became two.  This time Dayle was the provider for Mike to get his 2nd.

The 2nd half was always going to be more difficult as we were going up the hill but we continued to dominate.  Corner after corner flew through the Celts area as we failed to connect with Mark’s outstanding delivery’s.

Alex was continuing to run the defence ragged and Dayle and Ryan were always a threat.  Unfortunately Graham picked up an injury and was replaced by Jim, who to his credit, picked up where he left off before his injury with a typically solid display.

The 3rd goal came when Alex burst through only to be brought down for a penalty.  This was to Dylan’s dismay as he had put the ball in the net just after the ref had blown the whistle.  Although Mark is the penalty taker, Mike stepped up to complete a great hat trick.

We introduced Paul and Jack and it was again pleasing to see our strength in depth, as it didn’t seem to weaken the team at all.

Alex got the goal he deserved when he latched on to a Halloran through ball and smashed it home. 4-0.

Henry almost sealed the game in style when his 30 yard effort cannoned back off the cross bar.

Steve also showed his value with a save that bought the whole ground to it’s feet in the dying seconds.

Unfortunately we did concede a late goal but all in all a very convincing win and a very sound performance. 

6 points out of 6 and Knowle Eagles at home this Sunday.  If we play like we are there is no reason why we can’t keep this run going.  (hopefully it will be in our new kit)

Steve