1st XI vs Essex 1's
The first away game of the season and what a trek it was – let’s hope we could get a good result for our expeditionary efforts. The pre-warning from the seniors was that this lot were as rough and ready as their questionable pitch surface, so we were in for a challenging matchup.
The Essex boys lived up to their reputation from the off with their attempts of bullying us off the ball, but we weren’t going to be pushed over that easily. Unfortunately, a lapse of concentration on our behalf allowed the home team a first goal much to the pleasure of the large crowd in the dugout that had turned up to spur their Colchester comrades along.
We struggled with short corners all match because raising the lines on the pitch is a good idea?! One bobble and the Essex lot scored again. 2-0. The first half ended 3-0 so there was a mountain to climb. We hoped it would be more Scafell Pike than Kilimanjaro.
Second half was a much tighter affair. The sideline was noticeably quieter as we put the pressure on them from the whistle. A highlight must be Azam’s mazy run to the edge of the D via every Essex player…except one…
Tempers were high but we kept our cool until a lapse in judgement saw Eliot earn the only green card of the game and subsequently DoD…
Our efforts culminated in a well-deserved goal, tucked away by Sam but despite our late pressure inside the last third, that is how it ended. A solid second half performance, especially from Jonny, earning him MoM but a frustrating game from which to learn; we will be relishing the opportunity to play them again at Lee Valley.
Final Score: 1-3 (L)
Mom: Jonny Hedges
Dod: Eliot Siggs
