South Park (A)

[Red army]

Well that didn’t quite go to plan, conceded 3 and quite easily have been 5/6 if it wasn’t for the outstanding debut from keeper Aaron Watkins. Came out on top in at least 3 1v1s that I can remember possibly more!!

1st half was pretty even affair overall, with us having possession but always seem to loose our way in the final third. So many instances, could throw a blanket over 4/5 H&Y players trying 5yds passes on the edge of opposition box always breaking down due to a mixture of solid defensive structure or misplaced pass. Couple of shots from distance was about all we could muster. South Park played to their strengths maybe underestimated on the opening day, finished last season strongly and continued that with effective performance on Saturday. Both wingers caused us serious problems all afternoon, Bangura at left back constantly isolated and struggled to contain the right winger. Several corners late on for them and a shot that cannoned of the bar and a late goal ruled out for offside. HT 0-0

Second half rinse and repeat of the first really, H&Y few chances Zak Newton near post effort turned away, Ndombe had 2 really good chances, low cross 6yds out turned wide under pressure and a late chance blasted high and wide after a weaving run from sub Ryan Ewhare, but would have merely been a consolation.
Their first goal was a a half volley from the edge of the box from a corner only half cleared, rifled into the top corner, Aaron Watkins did well to even get a hand on it, but from that moment we simply fell apart, not sure if we went chasing the game, but defensively we were all over the place, every time they went forward they looked like scoring. Carbon copy for both their goals, low crosses from their right turned home from close range. FT 3-0

Mom: Aaron Watkins by some distance.

Saw the managers tweet after the game apologising for the 2nd half performance frank and honest discussions have been had. Seems a bit early for that? Not sure individuals are to blame, more a tactical/formation issue??

One thing was abundantly clear and mentioned by numerous travelling fans, the lack of width in the side. Thought Zak and Tyler would play wide and stretch the home side with their pace and trickery but never panned out that way.

Lessons learned for the management team, onto Tuesday night and Egham Town at home. No easy task against a promoted side!!!

COYH

[PSG55]

Thanks for the report Red army. Good to see these back again this season. Always compliment the official reports on the website nicely.

Just curious, is there a reason Hinds and Ashton were missing on Saturday? That's effectively our first choice strike partnership out, and a lot of goals between them?

On the plus side, sounds like we have a very capable stopper between the sticks. Almost everyone has praised Watkins for his debut. I see Juliusz Pazio is still on the squad list as well, so a bit of competition this season it seems...

[Tog74]

Ashton was serving a 1 game ban carried over from last season.

[Red army]

Hinds was also serving an additional one game ban from his sending off incident @ Westfield I believe.