Subs

• Stokes

• Hickman (Ryan) 
   

Table topping Arden came to Damson today determined to maintain their unbeaten league record having already almost certainly sealed the Premier League title.  Our lads were determined to put a spanner in the works as we have done at home this season against Shenley and Cadburys already. 

We had 13 players available as Mark is still away and Ryan Hickman would be a part of the squad for the 1st time. He would start sub with Stokesy. 

A thoroughly enjoyable game followed as Arden tried to press forward and Olton were always quick to counter.  A very even 1st half saw little in the way of chances.  We saw solid defending from our back four and I noted a much improved level of communication between them.  In midfield we were again failing to use our wide players and we were a little slow to react to the 2nd ball far too often.  Much credit though must go to Dyl and Mike who worked tirelessly and won us several throws and corners through sheer pressure.  Dyl held the ball up as well as I have ever seen him and was bringing the midfield into play. 

Steve was forced into action on a couple of occasions but generally the 1st half was a midfield battle. 

We managed to nick the lead when a throw on the left fell to Matt.  He fed the ball into Mike who muscled his way into space.  A crisp left foot drive gave the keeper no chance and we had the lead.1-0. 

Arden started the 2nd half well and we looked at little ragged as our shape was lost.  It took us far too long to adjust to the wind factor.  We stood too far away for throws and goal kicks and the ball just kept coming back.

Dyl and Mike continued to do all they could upfront with limited service but it was becoming clear that this would be about holding out and hoping to hit them on the counter. 

Steve was busier this half and the lads at the back put in some crucial blocks.  Pete was lifting our midfield with some big tackles and I felt Matty was influencing the game more. 

We did concede 2 goals and eventually lost the game.  I was disappointed with the goals as had we lost the game to a couple of crackers you just say fair enough, but we gifted them the goals.  The 1st came when Dayle stepped up and Graham stayed back.  This was a shame as they had kept an immaculate line up until this point.  The Arden forward finished well. 1-1. 

The 2nd was a long ball the Steve, Graham and Matt were waiting for each other to deal with.  The hesitation resulted in an Arden throw and shortly after it was 2-1. 

Just before this we had a great chance to win it.  Matty broke through, and should have scored but scuffed his shot wide.  We even almost grabbed a draw when Ross smashed a late shot from distance but the keeper saved well. 

I know that everybody will be terribly disappointed but today we should be holding our heads up high.  We continue to match the best sides in this league and collapse against the lower teams.  We have to maintain this level until the end of the season.  I am very encouraged with the last 3 or 4 weeks and the squad is beginning to look stronger and stronger. 

Steve