Squad:

Peter
Jim
Kevin
Grant
Ian
Martin
George
Les
Tony O
Gordon

Three consecutive Sunday matches and three successive defeats, every match has seen us start superbly taking the lead in two and for me dominating at least until the half time break, yet we have nothing in the points column for our efforts.

Today we were bright in attack, our midfield gave us control and we defended resolutely giving very little away, it was no surprise when we took the lead. Grant put the experienced home midfielder under considerable pressure winning possession, the rest was up to Martin who fired in giving Steve in goal for Canterbury absolutely no chance of keeping out. It seemed that we were comfortable, we kept the home side in their own half limiting their own attacking intentions to just a couple of long range efforts that Peter dealt without any real scares. Now however hard done by with running offence decisions that went against us we were adjudged on five occasions to have moved too quickly, the fourth of which resulted in the penalty that drew the score level, Peter nearly kept it out but alas all square. Whether we agree or not we have to slow down, the whole squad will need to take responsibility for this to keep us walking and encouraging a more sedate momentum, it is difficult and there is a very fine line to a pace that is deemed illegal but we have to learn to adapt to which is acceptable and what is not.

To say we were caught cold as the second half began is an understatement, a fierce drive went through a couple of pairs of defensive legs and found the corner, to be fair a well hit albeit speculative effort. The remainder of the half seemed to settle in to a familiar pattern, our possession and composure on the ball was good, we gave very little away defensively but we just didn’t make good enough chances to draw level. Tony came on as was immediately up against a renowned walking footballer who has played for a number of clubs, it was very nice of Tony to let him out of his pocket at the end of the game. We did however concede a third goal before the final whistle as we gave up possession and a thumping finish gave the score line a slightly lop sided look.

We now have a couple of weeks to have a little rethink, maybe a switch round in formation is needed. I’m sure we can return to winning ways as the performances are there but we do need to try something a bit different.

Big thanks to Canterbury for their hospitality, absolutely top class, also to Chris Smith for refereeing, never an easy job and without who we wouldn’t be able to play. Also big thanks go to Gordon for his team management, invaluable on the day.