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Well it was the clash of the titans at the Stapleton Arena this past Sunday.
Newbury Forest were coming off the back of a good win against Valance, whiel East London Utd had just recorded their first win of the season. We knew it was going to be a hard one with us missing a few players due to injury and absence. Nevertheless we would have to be at top form to get the victory needed to push for promotion.

With the pitch in a poor state, and the weather not helping things, controllng the ball was going to be important. As in any game the first goal will always be the most important. Just as normal though we didn't get out of the blocks too well, but as I seem to notice the more I play with this team, is that its not a sprint but a marathon. East London were well up for it, they were winning the 50 50's getting to the second balls, and putting us under a whole load of pressure. Playing against the wind really didin't help us and we couldn't get out of our half at times which lead to us getting pushed back. They had a direct game plan to get in forward quickly and play from there. After about 20 mins they were ahead, as we all claimed offside Bert rounded the keeper and slotted home for East London to take a deserved lead. Things did not look good, the pitch by now had cut up and was like a mud bath which hampered our passing game. Balls weren't getting to players, people were holding on too long, it just wasn't clicking.

As the half wore on we started to claw our way back into the game. The defence was as solid as i've ever seen them, it was as if everybody just upped a gear. The work rate was now there, this was soon to be followed by our quality of play. We started to press more and get them to defend, and with probably the best move of the half equalised. Robby Carlos went motoring down the left and managed to switch inside to myself. A square ball out to Del whose hit the pass of the game to Lee. He's then beat his man and wipped a ball into Frankie who had lost his marker to firmly place his header in the bottom corner. That was the Newbury Forest we knew was there and that was us level. Half time came moments later, which in hind sight was a good thing.

After all the half time gee up, it was time to up it again and go in front.
I don't mind saying that it was one of the best second half displays i've seen the team make and the winner was much deserved. Lil Jon spread the ball out to myself, I beat my man and put into the Deadly Python who was leathal from 4 yards. Now we were in front we could control the game. Unlike other games where we go in front and then maybe look like conceding this was never gonna happen. If it wasn't for Joe in goal it could have been more. In the end it was a hard fought victory but boy did it taste so sweet when you know you've worked for it, and that is what it was a workman like performance. On a quick note I would just like to congratulate East London on a fine display, they kept on going to the last mintue and pushed us all the way.
You guys should be nowhere near the bottom. If you keep playing like you do I'm sure you will get a whole lot more points.

And now to the ratings

Graham "Now i know your Surname" Tritton Gk 7/10
I felt sorry for him at times because his rating was effected by how much he had to do. But if it means he gets a lower score and we keep winning and controlling games then so be it. Did what he did well.

Rob "Mr Carlos is Back and who needs Ashley Cole" Hurst LB 8.5/10 All I can say is, you play like that every week your gonna giv John and Marc a lot of problems. Back to the Carlos of old, got forward a whole lot more and gave excellent support

Marc "Possible New Cafu at right back" Wakley CB 9/10 MOM
Best player on the park, I don't think he lost one challenge all game. Let alone his twinke toes down the right flank. Keep it up and you may make centre forward by the end of the season.

Gary "GDM is back" Murphy CB 8.5/10
Terminator is back now baby. Rise of the machines and all, I don't know what you ate for breakfast but keep doing it bruv pushed Marc very close for MOM.
Probably one of his best games very solid

Del "Mr Eveywhere" De rijk RB 8/10
Another quality display by the skipper, his cross field ball to Lee for the first was the touch of class and vision he brings to the team. Great understanding when he came into the midfield

Alfie "Man I got muddy in that game" Egembah DM 8/10
To be fair I loved it sliding around making challenges, then Del came into midfiled and i left that all to him and tried to create. Thought I played okay, but there were other top performers

Mike "The Bowler" Dunglinson AM 7/10
All I have to say is he did a slide tackle that took out 2 men - fantastic.
Even though he had to come off at half time, made his presence known in the middle of the park

Jon "Wannabe top scorer" Galligan AM 8/10
Getting back to his best form, was everywhere today, keep it going I may even vote for you at the end of the season. For wooden spoon ha ha ha ha

Lee Nicholas WLF 8/10
It was very simple with Lee, he showed what a handful he can be. They just couldn't live with him. Was very unlucky not score with his drive from outside the box

Dave "Deadly Python" Polley CF 8/10
Made the difference this week, got the ball to stick made it difficult for their defenders and was in the right place at the right time to score the goal. Keep it up python!!!!

Frankie "Names too long for me to even bother" Perez 8/10 Getting back to the form he showed at the start of the season, Lots of movement and balls in the box,thats the Frnkie we need to see week in week out

Subs

Gareth "Doing a Gig" Foot CB 7/10
As much as it pains me to say, seems to play well where ever we putt the ugly git. Came on and did a great job, plus he's the best line-o i've ever seen.

Well guys its been emotional, same time next week.