Tuesday nights game at Banstead

Which saw the return of a number of our squad to face their former club.

With the attacking 3-5-2 shape retained from Saturdays second half, it was nice to see a positive start from the side who so very often are guilty of allowing their opponents to take the initiative.

As early as the seventh minute, a clever run from Reece Jackson latching on to a fine through ball should have seen us take the lead, but the young strikers shot failed to hit the target. Although Banstead worked hard it was ourselves who were enjoying a far greater share of the play and using the ball more effectively.

Chances were now coming our way, mainly through the wide players in the five-man midfield namely Daniel Bennett and Baptiste Bogle. Unfortunately the players getting on the end of those were failing to convert with Matt Ellis, Oliver Skeete, and Reece Jackson the guilty parties. At the other end Dan Fisher was required on only a couple of occasions, and it was disappointing having been the better side to get to the half all square.

The second half followed the same pattern, and a series of missed opportunities early on, this time more due to the final ball not being delivered as expected, saw the game remain on a knife edge.
On the hour a fine break resulted in the opening goal. Oliver Skeete driving home with his left foot from outside the box for his second goal in two starts.

Having broken the deadlock it was hoped that we could push on to secure a comfortable win but that nearly proved our undoing, as just three minutes after taking the lead we could and should have conceded. The let off serving as a timely wake up call that the job was not done.

Late in the game Cheadle replaced Cole-Bolt and Puckett came on for Skeete to add some steel to the team to ensure we took all three points. As the clock ticked down, skilfully managed with some intelligent keep ball in the corners, we still had time for a further opportunity when Reece Jackson’s goal bound effort was blocked on the line by Daniel Bennett. Thankfully we were not left to rue this misfortune as we picked up our second league win of the year.