League:  Coney Hall 0 v Colts 3

First clean sheet of the season ensures 100% league record is maintained.

The coaches had options today as the 15-boy squad, was on hand for the first time this season. It was good to see the boys playing for their positions this week.

The Colts started the stronger, we had width and pace too and rightly took the lead when Jack flicked the ball forward to Nathan who was stronger than the two defenders on his heels. He squared it and James did the rest. 0-1. (4) and we were off and running. Stuart was soon added to the attack to really take the game to Coney Hall as we aimed to be well ahead at the interval, which we achieved.

Leon had room down the right and Scott down the left-hand side, to exploit the frail Coney Hall defence. JJ and Jack were impressive in the middle as the opening exchanges were played totally in the Coney half of the pitch. Nathan and James both had chances to extend our lead before we eventually did. It was Stuart who turned in a shot from a tight angle after James’s shot hit the post. 0-2 (25).

Coney came into the game a little bit more now and things could have turned for the worst if Rhys had not been alert to make a point blank save. Super save keeper. Ben cleared the save away to safety.

Richard coming back from injury set up our third goal with a delightful chip over the back four, James then despatched an unstoppable shot to make it 8 goals in the last three games. 0-3.(31) .HALF TIME and we were comfortable but you don’t win games at half time we knew Coney could play better so we had to be at our best.

David came on for George who had played well but we had players who needed some match fitness. Frank also came on to a big cheer completing his return from injury.

The second half was a different story. Coney Hall were more physical and quicker to the ball than us. We didn’t have it all our own way….but we do have Remy and Ollie. These two boys cleared any danger with strong tackles, a good reading of the game and were quicker than the Coney forwards too. They work as unit, well. We defended our line to great effect and defended the goal even better. Coney were never going to score while these two were in today’s form.

26.11.06 Key learning point: IT’S A SQUAD GAME AND EVERYONE NEEDS TO BE PATIENT WHEN EVERYONE IS THERE TO PLAY