WE PANICKED

Subs

• Abbott for Hill

• Ryan for Stokes

• Hill for Palmer

 A top of the table clash and vital points at stake if we have any hopes of catching the leaders.  In a small division every point is crucial and having lost to CCC at home we needed to get points back here.

CCC are themselves on an impressive run and only last week went all the way to extra time with Premiership Headless Cross in the cup.

We made few changes but did introduce Mark into the back four as his strength would be needed against this opposition.

The game itself was excellent and we gave as good as we got from start to finish.  We are becoming an outstanding defensive unit.  We are able to soak up pressure for long periods without conceding.  This has been our greatest improvement on last season.

We probably had the bulk of defending to do in the early stages.  Jacko was rock solid and two or three times prevented clear cut chances.  Mark was settling into his role and Matt and Mike C continued impressive runs of form.

After defending a succession of corners we began to get a foothold in the game.  Henry’s introduction was part of the reason for this.  We had some success in getting Ryan up the right wing but chances were limited with two very good defences being on top.

The best chance of the 1st half did fall to us.  Dayle broke through but the keeper spread himself well to deny us.  Half time. 0-0

We made a change to give Peter his 1st game upfront this season.  The 2nd half was pretty much all us.  We were better all over the pitch and should have killed the game off.  We created half chances but were unable to convert into goals.  Finally we did break the deadlock and as expected it took a special strike.

Dayle thumped us in front with a cracking left foot drive from the edge of the area.  In off the post.  1-0.  Dayle and I have been talking about improving his goal ratio and it was pleasing to see him take a shot on where in the past he may have looked to pass it.

We continued to be the better side and CCC were clearly upset and frustrated at how well we were pinning them back.  Rob’s header went just over and Halloran’s left foot volley went just over the bar after the best move of the game down the left hand side.

As the minutes died down we starting to panic.  You must remember we are not experienced in these tight games against top opposition.  In the past we would have been dead and buried long before this point.  We must learn to see games out.  With two minutes to go we were still looking for that 2nd goal when sometimes you just have to be sensible and take what you have.  We were over committing in midfield and with 4 minutes left I thought we had blown it when a long ball saw the CCC striker race through.  Thankfully he put it wide and I thought we had survived the late scare. 

Two minutes later it happened again and this time we were not so lucky.  A stray pass in midfield sat CCC break and a long ball caught Matt and Mark out.  This time the forward made no mistake. 1-1.

Full time and their manager came straight over to tell me how he thought they were more than lucky to get a point.  Our performance deserved so much more, but credit to our lads.  All 13 of them gave their all and contributed to another good display.  One defeat in seven games in very impressive and encouraging.  Especially considering that we should have won the two games we have drawn.

Knowle Eagles next and a vital three points up for grabs.  Another display with this much effort and commitment should see us prevail.

Steve