Chelmsley 0-1 Ravens

Back to league action today after two cups games and out tough run of fixtures continued with a trip to Chelmsley. Chelmsley have already beaten Shenley this season and a 13-0 win against the Eagles last week in the cup showed their credentials as one of the top teams this season.

We arrive with confidence after two good performances and the disappointment of losing on pens last week was long behind us. The lads seemed focussed and you always know that you need to be up for the battle at Chelmsley. Last season we capitulated here and I was confident that we would be better this time around.

Brett was out injured and James would carry on in goal. Pete and Dyl were back in the team for Mike and Robbo.

A windy day made things interesting and both sides we straight out of the blocks. Matt saw plenty of the ball early on and used it well. The midfield area was as competitive as expected with big tackles and very little space. Our back 4 were very commanding. Pete started particularly well.

We had the 1^st real chance of the game. A good ball over the top saw Dyl get in behind the left back. A good first touch and shot was well saved. Dyl was then almost in again when Ross picked him out again.

Chelmsley had some big lads I was very pleased with the way that we defended set pieces. Mark and Kev won everything in the air on a day where we had to put everything on the line to get a result. Will received a bad tackle and he has the stud marks down the back of the thigh to show for it. Ross was getting some stick too but we never took a backward step.

The bad tackle seemed to fire Will up and he dominated the middle of the park for the rest of the half. Several strong tackles and excellent in the air, today he combined that with good play and several key passes.

James was called into action a couple of times where he had to be brave punching in the crowd, often knowing that he would get clattered for his troubles.

We got the important goal when we were on top. Pete played a super pass and Bens movement allowed him to slot a left footed shot into the bottom corner. A striker’s goal.

Our defence took our lead into half time with a terrific all round performance as a unit.

The 2^nd half was tough. Wind in our faces and Chelmsley fired up. More tough tackles and they through more players forward. We strengthened the midfield with Robbo giving us an extra body in the middle. This seemed to stem the tide and we began to get forward again through Mike Dyl and Ross supporting Ben.

The defending in the last 15 minutes was really terrific. Mark and Kev were at the heart of it but Will was doing a great shielding job just in front. James continued to be alert and took a few more knocks.

We looked quite good on the break at times although the final pass often let us down. We wasted several free kicks. The best chance fell to Dayle. Ross picked him out with another great pass and Dayle did everything right in selling a dummy to the two defenders. His right foot shot deflected wide.

The whistle went and a great and well deserved win for the boys. This result was coming and we hope to get some momentum now with two homes games coming up.

Steve

Scorer - Williams(B)

M.o.M - Williams(M)

 

Grady

Foster        O’Neill        Williams(M)        Ryan

Mcloughlin      Foley       Coyne       Barber

Hill

Williams(B)

 

 Subs - Halloran, Bissell, Palmer, Stokes