Back to Basics (Again)

James Mathews

South played a very hard fought and competitive game against a strong Cambridge Nomads team that had a number of 1st team players available. What was to ensue was a fast paced and lively encounter that showed the improvement and team development.

As there had been a large amount of goals conceded in the last game against Cambridge City, skipper Nev Warren tried to instill a tighter defensive game of half court press and "funnelling" the attacks to the flanks.

The opening exchanges were fairly even with both teams showing attacking promise but no end product. On seven minutes, Nomads took the lead through a basic short corner slipped to the right and powered low past an over-committed George Toynton in the nets. Their lead doubled when some quick counter attacking play resulted in the ball being looped over the overworked goalie. South were still probing forward and impressing but to no avail. Nomads' short corners produced a deflected shot that looped into a tiny near post gap. Three-nil and all to do.

Harry Lewis had been quite the short corner master in previous games and when South pulled one back close to half-time it seemed a fair reflection of the game. However, a last gasp corner mirroring the first goal arrowed into the unprotected net and deflated the team going into the break.

Half-time was all about believing in the plan and setting to the task. The team also had the boost of Cambridge City player, Will, to assist proceedings. South set out positively and gained a short corner that was lapped up by Harry again. James Mathews then powered through to score a deflected goal off a Nomads defender. Attacking and defending well was epitomised by Oliver Lamming, whose experienced performance allowed the team to flourish. The returning Chris Pearson also had a major impact in turning defence into attack and winning corners. Harry made it 4-4 with a slight variation of his corner routine and South were firmly in the ascendancy. They were also denied a goal by the umpires after a neat turn and shot in the circle went in off a Nomads' player's foot. No goal and a short corner instead. A quick break by Nomads finally paid dividends when they edged ahead and a harsh flick was then awarded for a bad tackle at the top of the circle by "loanee" Will. George saved it to mark his turnaround in performance in the second half. His comments however cemented his Lemon by thinking we had indeed won. Great game and great comeback from the boys of Long Road.

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Harry Lewis
Player of the Match

Hat-trick Hero

George Toynton
Lemon of the Match

George, quote “I’m glad we won because I played rubbish today” ...sort of sums up George's day in general!