Ahhh, the blessed relief of a much needed win. But the view from the touchline, from before kick-off and all the way from whistle to whistle was that the mood was positive and the teamwork and togetherness was right there, front and centre. We acted like and played like a team and that, even more than the enjoyment of the win, was the most satisfying thing for me. Debutant keeper Lee, trying out for us, was given a warm welcome in the changing rooms from a grateful squad. Throughout the game all the talking was positive and encouraging - stern words when needed but nothing stupid, especially from one player who's let himself down in that department recently.
No tonking, then, Grafton - instead, 0-0 for 75 minutes, with some scraps of chances for the oppo, but nothing too worrying. And at the other end the Accies patiently applied themselves with some really fine incisive pass and move football. As previously Tweeted, Barry hit the bar in the first half following one of many, many expertly delivered corner balls. Strollers' lanky keeper was on fine form throughout and if he hadn't been, the scoreline would've been more impressive. But we did more than enough to deserve our slice of luck, coming in the 75th minute when Steve floated a cross towards the far post that swerved and dipped unstoppably into the top corner. I thought he'd meant it, but his stationary near-motionless celebration betrayed the fact that it had been a cross, not a shot. Didn't stop me invading the pitch and planting a smacker on his head, mind you.
A quick word about the successful use of the 4-3-1-2 formation, which enabled the midfield to boss the game and support both defence and attack. It worked a treat and brought the best out of more than one player tonight. The Coach had a good night, his pre-match and half-time talks were calm, clear and considered and his substitutions were spot-on - the one benefit of him being crocked!
Dangermouse headed a strong field of candidates for Man Of The Match for his tireless running for 90 minutes, with Gobby runner-up for the honour. Full respect to Lee Clifford for the clean sheet on his debut, too! As I said to Lee after the match: "See you next week, and the week after that, and the week after that...!" Paxton gaffer Stuart obliged with the first round of the evening, sealing a good night for the team that, at last, really played like a team tonight.
Team: Lee, Elbows, TBALT (sub: Baz), Gobby, Werewolf, Rushy (sub: Miami), Thorny, Spudgun, Joe, Mickael (sub: Luis), Perre
Scorer: Spudgun
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