M3s Hold on for Victory

James Raikes

After many hurried phone calls and emails, Cambridge South were able to put out a very strong attacking team. South played an untested 3-1-4-2 formation with Wilco playing a new position as a defensive midfielder. With Field Marshall Sneade unable to take part due to his tank being stuck in the desert (he had a note), the captaincy was handed to raw 3rd team officer, James Raikes. Questions were being asked: will James get lost on the way to another away match? Would Phil be without a hangover? Could Wilco repress his urges and stay in a defensive role?

South started strongly, passing well in all directions with players backing each other up. This enabled South to work the ball quickly around March's defence and create a number of good opportunities, which we were unable to convert. The movement was excellent in open play and on free hits, creating yet more space.

Having March on the back foot, there was a procession of short corners but the lack of a certain James Bridge saw the opportunities wasted. Finally near the end of the half, Simon dummied a pass from the top of the D, slipped a shot between three defenders' legs and John Horsley dummied a deflection to allow Simon's shot to squeak in at the corner for the first goal of the match.

March kept trying to break out of defence but with Wilco holding his position well, South were able to break down the attacks and link very well with Tim, who was able to move the ball up the pitch again. Both John Sharp and Ian Glover made surging runs from defence to put on even more pressure. The defence was being held strong by Phil and an underworked Ian Evans.

During the second half, after a few substitutions South lost their game plan a little and found themselves stuck in their own half. The ball was being played back to March's midfield giving our attack little opportunity. Suddenly, James Pope skilfully evaded the midfield and played an excellent one-two with Simon and a hard driven shot put South 2-0 in the lead.

A tired South let March come back at them and in a melee in the D a shot squeaked in to bring the game back into March's grasp. South held firm with an excellent holding performance from Tim and the whole of the defensive unit to hold the game of for a 2-1 victory.

From the match South were able to take away some excellent passing and link play experience and if this can be repeated we will make a good challenge for promotion. The only fault of the game was being drawn into playing March's running game which does not suit us. Man of the match was Wilco with Tim coming a close second, proving he does have an aggressive streak to get to the ball first and win possession.

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