With absences, illness and injury still affecting the squad, we were down to a “bare” 11 so this should be regarded as a good win, given the circumstances.
The first half was played almost exclusively in the Manorcroft half but the Shots were left largely frustrated by a combination of last-ditch defending, excellent goalkeeping, poor final ball from midfield and lack of movement up front.
It was going to take something special to break through and duly came when Toby Elstow (for the second week running) chose to let fly from distance. The ball was “in” from the moment it left his trusty left peg, sailing high over the goalie and into the back of the net. A comfortable looking 1-0 lead at H/T.
The second-half, however, was much more even with Manorcroft looking a good deal brighter and sharper.
A series of dangerous breaks and inswinging corners were testing the defence (superbly marshalled by Charlie Sheridan – at long last, making his debut) to the limit and it was not against the run of play that Manorcroft equalised midway through the half with a tremendous long range effort which gave Nathan Woolley, in the Shots goal, no chance.
1-1 and anxious supporters could see the potential for points to be dropped.
To their credit, the boys appeared to sense this too and picked their game up again. They were rewarded with 2 quick-fire goals - firstly when Toby fed the ball into Ben House in the box – a swift turn and shot giving their keeper no chance – and then some deft movement (from Toby’s left-wing corner) by George Mann gave him the time and space to volley home. 3-1. Job done.
Well not quite because Nathan was called into action several times towards the end of the game and it needed a series of saves, blocks and punches to help preserve our 2 goal cushion.
F/T 3-1.
It was a relieved Russ Woolley who said after the game: “I find it quite strange that, in a game we largely dominated, I’m going to single out the defence for special praise today.
"I thought Tom Bussell’s and Archie Fawcett’s positional play and use of the ball when passing out from the back was outstanding, Charlie looked like he’d been playing for us all his life and Nathan’s communication, distribution and alertness to danger were all exceptional.
"In all other areas we must improve; link-up play between midfield and forwards, midfielders hanging on to the ball too long and not releasing due to, maybe, lack of forward movement, creating space and making runs?
"These areas to improve are all closely linked. Still…..a win’s a win and we move on.”
Weather forecast for the week is looking shocking lads…….fingers crossed that we’re able to play and keep the ball rolling, eh ?!!