The last three home games have all followed a similar pattern, and thankfully, we have seen the same outcome: a 1-0 win. The pitch conditions against Mile Oak again made for a scrappy game, and that suited the defences of both sides, with those players able to clear their lines, but for the creative players, it was a really difficult day.

I didn’t feel a lot happened in the first half, although, because of the prevailing wind, we were in our attacking third a bit more often than our visitors. Most of our better moments were from set plays, but we couldn’t convert, and at the break, it was all square with chances at a premium for both sides.

I actually felt that playing against the wind after the restart would help us a bit more, as in the first half, so many attempted forward passes raced harmlessly out of play or through to their goalkeeper. This was the message that was given saying that we needed just one moment where we got things right to create and take a chance, and so it proved.

Minutes after the second half had started, we had shortened our passing and kept it on the ground, and a fine through ball was coolly finished by Sangjoon Baek for his first goal for the club. I felt we were much improved with our approach play because we shortened it up, but couldn’t find another good opening to make the game safe. Mile Oak, as I had expected, kept going, and as always, when the game is still in the balance late on, it becomes nervy, particularly where there is so much on the line.

We got through it, though, and found that all-important moment to secure another three points. It wasn’t easy, and it wasn’t one for the purists, but credit again to the lads for digging deep and seeing another tight game out.

It's relentless at the moment, with games every Saturday and midweek, so I will assess who can best represent us on Tuesday when we try to get to the semi-finals of the Surrey Cup.

Gaffer Glynn Stephens
First Team Manager