Effra 0 F&F 0

I'm still very much basking in the glory of us successfully defending the Anglo-Dutch Challenge Cup - and I'm not embarrassed to admit it! What a game! How can a 0-0, made possible at some considerable expense, with a lot of travelling, much drinking and merriment, and plenty of personal sacrifices, have been so damn thrilling!!?!? (Apologies to any of our Dutch friends who may read this, but it's very one-sided!).

We edged the first-half in my opinion. We created the clearer chances, and despite the glorious sunshine and energy-sapping heat, we were winning tackles and opening up the F&F defence regularly.

Our strict discipline of holding our shape as much as we possibly could meant that when F&F did come forward to attack us, we had two banks of four, plus a holding midfielder, soaking up everything they could muster. Ahead of that was a striker who ran his socks off too, defending from the very front. On the attack, we moved quickly, and flooded their penalty area at each and every opportunity. It was poetry in motion, watching us all execute our game plan to such devastating effect.

At half-time, I was privately disappointed to be informed by Stuart that we "had a full 15 minutes." We were on top, I felt I didn't need to say much during the interval as our football was doing the talking for me, and I was desperate to get us back on the pitch as quickly as possible, such was our level of performance in the first-half, I wanted us to get straight in to the second-half without delay!

Thankfully we picked up where we left off following the half-time break. Our passing continued to be crisp and effective (how many times did we lay balls back first-time during the game?? It was liked we practiced it last Thursday or something!!), and our shape remained solid. Our eagerness to work hard for each other, and willingness to receive the ball, even under pressure, meant our Dutch opposition were left with little alternative than to start lofting balls up over the top. Yes, the Dutch, were playing long balls! Of course what happened then was our back four, and holding midfielder, literally lapped it up, dealing with every hopeful punt. On the odd occasion the F&Fs found they were through, they came up against our keeper who was in inspiring form yet again. What a game we all had!

I said what I wanted to say to each and every one of our lads in a post-match huddle. I meant every word. Everyone, in their own way, lifted their game to a higher level on Saturday. Everyone contributed something extra to the team. Everyone together made the result possible, the performance inspiring, and the weekend one to remember!

So this week sees us return to Crystal Palace Thursday night action. It promises to be a terrific night, with an Accies Select XI versus an Accies Select XI!! Something tells me the level of banter will be lifted somewhat!!

Keep the faith!

Joe