Effra 8 Southside 4

A thoroughly enjoyable match last night finished with a convincing scoreline in our favour. What was even more convincing in my opinion was the manner in which we played the game. Our one-touch and two-touch passing was excellent from back to front. Everybody wanted the ball, and indeed we were demanding the ball from each other. We rained crosses in to the Southside box at every opportunity, and we made our possession count, converting a string of chances in to goals. Had we have managed to be even more clinical in front of goal, we would have reached double figures.

Before the game I quoted Harry Redknapp's comments regarding James Milner's performance for England on Wednesday night (see my previous blog post). We managed, even at our level, to prove the point. As cross after cross was swung in to the box, our attacking players grew in the confidence and knowledge that should they make the run in to the box, the ball will come. Sam Herbert in particular reaped the rewards with four goals on the night and some outstanding link-up play in receiving the ball centrally and then working it wide in to feet. For a solid 20-25 minute spell in the first-half alone we looked like we would score every time we attacked. What a joy to see from my perspective!

All due respect to Southside, they arrived without at least three key players, but they still approached the game in an enthusiastic and spirited manner. They'll no doubt feel the scoreline doesn't do them justice, especially as Accie Dean Marney scored three of their four goals. However, we hope to meet them again, and with any luck it'll be a full strength team next time round.

The MOTM award went to midfield enforcer Luis Sandoval (who right now will be cheering the fact his native Chile have reached the last 16 of the World Cup - many congratulations Luis!). He had some serious competition though following a number of exceptional performances with Sam Herbert, Andy Thornes, Andy Dade, Graeme Were and Phill Arnold all catching the eye.

If we can carry this form, level of performance and confidence on the ball in to next week's game against Dolphin, it should be a classic encounter!

Keep the faith!

Joe