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Newbury Forest 4 v 2 Collier Row A

With the cup final on the horizon and the anticipation of the teams first trophy morale was high and buoyant. What was dished up as a first half display was abysmal. Everything within the first half was done at a lethargic pace; we didn’t get our passing game going and we didn’t make the right decisions. Too many of us thought that because of the quality of player we have; that teams are going to roll over for us. Well as if we didn’t know already that doesn’t happen at this level.

With the first half being as sloppy as it was it was inevitable that we would concede. A free kick on the edge of the box; us taking to long to get a wall up lead to a heavily deflect goal. Still there wasn’t that much of a change of attitude. They even had a player sent off and that didn’t really change the flow of the game. They knew what they were trying to do and it was effective. With a few minutes to go until the end of the half, John went on a tirade to end all tirades. No stone or person was left unturned or uncoated. There were some harsh words said to many players but in the bigger scheme of things, they were probably needed. One thing this team never lacks is work rate and commitment; and if anything else, they were both lacking in that first half from everyone.

Half time was short and sweet we just said that we now need to talk with our feet, all the ranting and raving won’t mean a thing if we don’t go out and put it in. Low and behold second half starts and there is an instant change. Unfortunately, we concede a wonder strike that makes it two – nil. However, this team is made of stronger stuff. Two quick goals by the gaol machine Andy Saunders brought us right back in it. Suddenly all the belief and quality was once again there, Quick passing movement off the ball and goal scoring opportunities were coming left right and centre. The third was the important goal who ever got it would take control of the game. With us now moving the ball around much better they were beginning to tire, A good ball in from the Skipper was missed by the defender, for Alfie to swivel and hit into the bottom corner. What a come back and what a second half display. By no means was this our best football but the determination was there to drag ourselves back into the game that could of cost us the league title. We managed to add a fourth, which allowed us to play out the remainder of the game quite comfortably.

League title march is still on, but we had an almighty scare. It’s still in our hands but we need to up it if we have real aspirations of winning the league. With the cup final next week, we really need to be ready for the game and the occasion. We can’t afford to have any passengers in the game. Everyone needs to play their part. So let’s get focused from now and make sure come Sunday night we’re singing in the streets.

Starting Line Up:

Now for the ratings

Graham “Newbury No1” Tritton GK
Was unlucky with both goals, but did the basic things well. 7/10

Dave “Del Boy” De rijk RB
Looked a bit off the boil in the first half, but got better in the second and started to be of an attacking threat. 6/10

Arnold “Cut your hair” Djedje CB
When he plays the game at his own pace he always seems comfortable, he needs to get back to that mind set and that composure he showed during the middle of the season. 6/10

Nick “Chav boy is back” Marable CB
Solid performance on his return from injury; made some crucial interceptions but /needs to be wary of going to ground too often. 8/10

Tom “Got any food” Starling LB
Working well with Jey down the left flank, looks like he is cementing a place in the team now. 8/10

John “The Rant and Raver” Hassan DM
Had a decent enough game, but made sure he lifted the team and ensured everybody knew what was expected of them. 7/10

Tom “Massive Head” Gibbings AM
Poor first half display, but became a different play in the 2nd half. Needs to be focused from the start because he ran the midfield in the second half and gave the defence great cover 7/10

Dave “5 goals is your target” Ademakinwa AM
Another good shift put in, ball retention wasn’t as good as last week but his work rate was invaluable in the middle of the park. 7/10

Jey “BIG TIME” Siva WL
Porn in a jar status for the ball he played in for Andy’s second goal. Just needs to keep stretching the opposition and moving the ball around. 8/10

Andy “Dream Team” Saunders CF
Superb second half performance worked his socks off and got the goals he deserved. 8/10

Alfie “Saunders may be top scorer but his Dad loves me more” Egembah WR
Terrible first half performance, but picked it up in the second. Started to close down better as a front three that helped us win the ball back higher up the pitch. 8/10

Subs
John “Corner Taker” Galligan AM
Came on and helped us steady the ship and have more possession in the middle of the park. 7/10

Luke “Mojo Monkey is ready to play” Mardle AM
Came on again and cause havoc. I even saw him play backwards twice. Added a bit more bite in the middle as well. 7/10

Goals
Andy Saunders 2
Alfie Egembah 2

Assist
Andy Saunders
Jey Siva
Alfie Egembah
David De rijk

Man of the Match
Tom Starling