ITS TOO EARLY COUNT OUR CHICKENS

It’s been a bit of an up and down season with some good results mixed in with some disappointing ones and as a result we have been a bit off the pace for the play-offs. But in recent weeks there has been a sea change in our fortunes with three League wins on the trot which has pushed us up to 9th place in the table just 5 points off Sawbridgeworth Town who occupy the last play-off place having played the same number of games as us. All three recent League games were tightly contested 1-0 victories with little to show between the teams but we were able to keep our opponents at bay whereas in the previous 16 league games we had kept only 3 clean sheets.

The crucial goal in this game came in the 12th minute when following some pressure on the home defence the ball fell to Dylan Whitelock who produced a smart swivel and shot from inside the penalty area to beat the keeper. This was Dylan’s 9th goal of the season and makes him our leading scorer, one ahead of Max Hercules who went close to adding a second goal in the 15th minute following some neat footwork from Blake Argent but his goal bound shot was blocked by a defender.

Earlier our hosts went close when left winger Declan Nche showed some ricky play along the left hand bye line before somehow hitting the inside of the far post from a cross cum shot which bounced out into the area where we were able to clear it. Both teams at times looked threatening but failed to convert this into clear scoring chances and as a result neither keeper was overly stretched. HT Score 0-1.

It was more of the same in the second half with both defences keeping the opposition forwards at bay. Dave O’Connor headed a free kick from Max Hercules wide and Wormley’s tricky winger Reece Mosanya struck a fierce shot from an acute angle that flew over the bar. There was a tense moment in the 63rd minute when there was a scramble in our area which ended with a home player firing his shot over the bar.

The players had worked hard to keep the opposition out and Ryan Sturges sensibly made a number of substitutions which brought greater freshness and energy to the side and at times we were able to keep greater control of the ball and run down the clock. We were defending well as a team but in the 85th minute we were indebted to Freddie Burroughs who got down well to make a good catch at the near post. A minute later Max Hercules produced a good run but shot wide.

Full credit to our hosts who kept pushing forward looking for an equaliser and as we entered into time added on they won a few corners just to add to the anxiety of our travelling supporters. Despite playing nearly 7 minutes of added time, we were able see out the game and collect 3 valuable points. FT Score 0-1.

This was a tough game against a strong side and we would probably have drawn or even lost this match a few weeks ago but the players are showing a high level of resilience and have produced some strong performances in recent weeks. Undoubtedly the return of Dave O’Connor to our defence has helped but the improvement has been the result of a team effort.

There are still a lot of games coming up and some tough fixtures ahead starting with the visit of Buckingham FC to the Michael Anthony Stadium on Tuesday for a Gladwish Challenge Trophy cup tie followed by a home League game on Saturday when our guests will be AFC Welwyn.

TEAM,
TA: Freddie Burroughs, James Kimber, David O’Connor, Greg Deer, Mason Clarke, Pablo Kalamaras (Harry Jones 67), Blake Argent (Frankie Hercules 75), Jack Harvey (Capt), Luke Peerless (Harry Beaumont 84), Max Hercules, Dylan Whitelock (Bailey Osborne 81). Sub not used: Josh Chamberlain.

Scorers

TA: Dylan Whitelock (12)

Crowd: 35