CAPTAIN HENNERS LEADS THE WAY

Subs

• Stokes for Hay

• Ryan for Hill

• Hay for Halloran

• Hill for Cardall

A brave and committed performance from all saw the Ravens see off another stiff test from Knowle Eagles.  The Eagles are historically a good side who we have had some great battles with down the years.  This game was crucial to our season after dropping points at CCC in the last minute a week ago.

Our home form has been excellent all season and I always felt we were favourites for the game even thought the Eagles beat Chelmsley Town only a few weeks ago.  I told the players that if they match what they have done in recent weeks we would be taking all 3 points.

We started fantastically well and we were playing some super football, particularly with Sonny Halloran and Dyl linking up with Mark down the right.  We were playing the game in their half thanks to the midfield domination of Henry in the early stages.

Dayle was causing his usual problems and it was he who could have put us in front when Mark’s raking cross field pass found him in space.  Dayle fired over the bar but it is encouraging how often he is popping up in these positions in recent weeks.

Mark was back in midfield today and his powerful runs and accurate passing were beginning to put us in charge.  Mark’s usual class was there to be seen at dead ball situations with lethal corners and free kicks upsetting the Eagles defence.

We were in control but the Eagles were always likely to counter attack with the extremely pacey forward being marshalled by Gray and Matty.  Cardall and Jacko were covering well and getting involved going forward whenever they could.

More chances came but our final pass and weak shooting were holding us up.  Finally the break through came when Marks corner bounced around in the box before Mike Cardall rose highest to head us in front.

We deserved the goal but a lapse of concentration meant that the score was 1-1 within seconds.  It was a great strike though to be fair.

Half time beckoned and 1-1 would have been an injustice.  Dylan powered through the defence and coolly put us in front.  Minutes later Dylan made it 3 with a stunning header from Marks free kick.  3-1 and that score line much more reflected our dominance.

Ryan and Pete were introduced and I have to say both of them put in very strong performances.  Pete's man marking job on the dangerous forward was as good as it gets and Ryan’s confident display on the right helped us maintain our lead.

The second half was closer with the Eagles coming back at us.  The only negative from our display was the 1st 15 minutes of the second half where we were being out battled and out tackled.  Henners again got us going with his bustling display of ball winning both in the air and on the ground.

We always looked dangerous going forward.  Particularly from set pieces.  Henners and Cardall headed over the bar and Henners free kick wasn’t far off.  Matt and Co were strong at the back and another assured display from Stevo meant that we never really looked like conceding.

The move of the match should have seen Dyl kill the game off when Mark and Ryan linked up on the right.  Ryan burst past his marker and when most would have shot he brilliantly cut the ball back for Dyl, who unfortunately hit it straight at the keeper.  Fantastic vision from Ryan though to pick him out.

We battled out the last few minutes to secure the three points. We are still in the top 2 or 3 as we approach half way through the season.  In a small division we cannot afford any slip ups.  We have a nice break from the league next week against Premiership High Flyers Phoenix in the League Cup.

We are unbeaten in 6 games and it would be nice to go and have a real go at the Phoenix next week.  Well done to all.

Steve