Away at Walton & Hersham

[benchsitter]

This game was the complete opposite of the last game with every player (there were only 11 - no subs) playing their part in a well deserved win away at a very good team who were lying 2nd in the table and having only lost one game all season. With no room to make changes and against a good team, the name of the game was disciple and belief in our ability to work the formation we set out, and take our opportunities when they came. To be honest we got more of the ball than I expected us to and the possession was fairly even, but they looked the more likely to score from their chances. But at half time with the score at 0-0 we were able to talk in positive terms about winning the game as we had pretty much seen what they had to offer (mainly their No.11 who is a first team player) and we had dealt with it - the back 4 played really well and soaked up whatever their tricky players threw at them. After the break we grew in confidence as they got progressively more frustrated under the expectation to win and after 60 mins Freddie Kelsey swung in a terrific corner right into the heart of their 6 yard box, Ashlee James headed down and Dollard was on hand to poke the ball home (I think that brings him to 5 goals in 6 games). This served to make W&H press harder but on 70 minutes we were awarded a free kick just outside the penalty area on the left, Jay Warden calmly bent the ball over the wall and into the far top corner of the net, giving the keeper no chance. 2-0 and we played out the last 20 minutes knowing we had done enough.
A great effort from all of the 11 players who made themselves available and rose to a difficult challenge, including Dads who put in a real 90 minute shift in the heart of the midfield. Excellent team performance, built on great attitude. Days like this make nights like Hartley Wintney bearable.

[Grass Bank]

Well Done to all associated with the reserves. They are an important part of the club and lest we forget that. Keep up the good work lads.