Opening Game of the Season

Saturdays opening game with Hanworth Villa, the first competitive game for the new management team and players , brought with it an air of expectation and hope that in itself made it a pressure game.

Manager Glynn Stephens selected an attacking line up that included just 4 of last years squad in the starting line up with 1 from last year on the bench. The 3-4-3 system clearly geared towards taking the game to Hanworth Villa and making the most of the attacking players that the team now boasts.

The decision to play this way looked like being vindicated within the first 90 seconds when the usually reliable Malik Buari ,when through 1 on 1 had an uncharacteristic heavy touch that allowed the goalkeeper to smother his half hit effort. Good early pressure also saw an effort from the same player hit the bar although the visiting goalkeeper deserves some considerable credit for getting a hand to it.

Although the game was scrappy in the opening 20 minutes, the better chances were being created by Chessington, with new captain Scott Todd instrumental in winning a number of free kicks in dangerous areas. In fact given the number of fouls against us, it was a little suprising that the first caution of the game was picked up by new centre back Leon Canning for a mistimed tackle near to the touchline. However in the 30th minute from another free kick awarded to us , an intelligent run from Darren Smith and well delivered free kick from Todd resulted in the Chessington number 8 slotting the ball home with his left foot to put us 1 up. It looked as if this might settle a few nerves and we could go on to add to our lead, but a lapse in concentration just 4 minutes later allowed Hanworth to equalise with their first meaningful attack of the game. This at least re focused the players who can count themselves unlucky not to have scored again when a ferocious strike from Shane Graham was again touched onto the crossbar. More than a few in the crowd of 128 remain sure that the ball crossed the line but play was waved on.

The opening 5 minutes of the second half was poor for the blues, conceding a soft second goal and having to substitute goalkeeper Mark Daniels who had suffered a dead leg towards the end of the first half.

On another day these setbacks could have seen the team fold but they showed great character. They drew level on the hour when from a Scott Todd corner Leon Canning powered home a header from 8 yards , a well deserved reward for his display on debut. Just 10 minutes later and from another Todd free kick Leon Canning did well to reach a deep cross beyond the back post , volleying it back across goal for Adam Cheadle to tap home from close range.

A couple of late injuries to Malik Buari and Shane Graham saw Matty Ellis come on at left back and Marcello Graca left midfield as Glynn ensured that we gave nothing away at the back.

Although there were 1 or 2 anxious moments, we looked capable of adding to our goals each time we attacked and but for a fine display from the Hanworth keeper would surely have had more than the 3 goals to our name.

Credit should go to the staff and players who worked tirelessly through pre season to be ready for the big kick off. They didn`t disappoint.

Attention immediately switches to our first away game at another league newcomer in the shape of Croydon. Kick off is at 7.45 at the Croydon Sports Arena in Albert Road.

Please support the boys if you can.