All round encouraging performance!!!

This is my first blog entry so bear with me and also with the slow onset of old age my memory might be suspect so apologies in advance.

A strong Accies team assembled on the bar pitch for our game with Crytal Palace and Dulwich Super Veterans. A solid defence backed up with a welcome return from Anthony in goal kept out the vets and with new addition Sam in right midfield and Graeme on the left it was hoped that both guile and resolve would triumph in the midfield. Neil and Bobby were up top with Michael Luke and Phil ably waiting in the wings.

Some excellent link up play between Neil and Bobby were one of the features of the first half along with the trademark Andy flick ons and Dave clearing headers meant that we were holding our own defensively and creating problems up top. However against the run of play they opened the scoring with a well taken route one goal (not offside according to the Russian linesman) but our resolve did not wane. Bobby looking increasingly dangerous managed to slip free of his persistent and bad tempered marker to thump an equaliser into the net and a growing confidence in the total football approach led to some neat interchanges and more chances for Bobby.

Luis gallantly gave way to Luke who went into the centre of defense with Dave taking on the holding midfield role. Phil came on and had some encouraging passes blending well into the passing game with an excellent cross of particular note. Neil R's link up play and Bobby's pace meant that a goal was always going to come and we were not disappointed as Bobby once again scored with aplomb. I missed the goal because I was trying to explain to Michael (who had replaced Sam on the right) where I wanted him to play and a cheer went up so hopefully aplomb adequately describes the quality of the finish.

The three goals scored by the vets in the second half (one being a penalty that looked outside of the box) did not do us justice but as stated by the coach at the end it was a really encouraging performance. Bobby got man of the match for his goals (although he would freely admit could have filled his proverbial boots) but it was a difficult decision on my part as there had been many to choose from. A pat on the back all round and a great spirit in the team. Bring on the Dutch..............