THAT'S MORE LIKE IT

Subs

• Bissell

• Davies

• Foster

• Halloran

The 1st round of the League Cup drew us against Division 1 Crusaders.  We have fond memories of this cup, and our epic run last season was only halted by Cadburys in the Final. 

We were looking to put last weekends awful display behind us and to quickly get back to the form that we have shown in patches this season.

Selection was interesting as we had all 15 available for the 1st time – although Jacko and Halloran were coming back from injury so they would only have a small part to play as we try to ease them back in.

We came out of the blocks like lightning and we had played some really decent football in the opening encounters.  Dylan forced a corner and Marks accurate cross-picked out James. His super header found the top corner.  1-0.

We continued to dominate with several flowing passing moves down both flanks.  Dayle and Pete combined well with Jonjo.  Mark was getting more of the ball and making us tick whilst Ryan became more influential by popping up in and around the area several times.

Crusaders' did have 1 or 2 moments with balls over the top but our back four and Stevo were always quick to react.  Graham became more commanding as the half went on and Stevo pushed a Crusaders' free kick over the bar.

As the half we wore we seemed to really take control.  More goals were ominous.  Pete’s quick throw found Jonjo.  Jonjo then hit a trademark 30 yarder into the top corner.2-0.

We seemed to grow in confidence from here.  James added his 2nd from Dayle's corner and Mark smashed a penalty into the corner.  4-0.  More attacks came and went and we could have easily had more.  Ryan scored a cracker that was given offside and we may have been awarded another penalty.

Half time 4-0 and all in all we could be pleased with how we had approached the game and with the level of football that we played.

The 2nd half was a scrappier affair but we still controlled the game.  Our back four was never really tested.  Matty was the pick of the four in the 2nd half with clever positioning and excellent organising.

We made our substitutions and all the lads who went on contributed and looked like they wanted to stake a claim for a place next week.  Robbo was quickly into the game and was unfortunate not to score.  Jack D linked play up well at times and had two good opportunities to score.  Jacko was solid as ever at the back and possibly the most significant was the return of Mike Halloran.  Mike hasn’t played all season but his 10 minutes showed a lot of encouraging signs.  A bullet head from yet another superb Dayle cross was backed up with neat play and a cracking shot from distance.

The game eventually petered out.  We should have had more goals with almost everybody having a chance of some sort in the 2nd half.

A good display and a good win but it’s back to business next week with the visit of Phoenix.  We are still far too quiet at times and we are not killing teams off by missing so many chances.  The positives far out weigh the negatives though in a job well done.

Now that everybody is fit you lads will need to knuckle down if you want a place in the 11.  Just take a look at the subs bench today and you can see the type of players that are looking to force their way in.  I wonder if that had anything to do with the much improved effort today?

Steve