Old Challoners v Old Salvos 3s

Team: Williams; Beill, Weidner, Bevins R (Lancaster, 50), Foster; Wickenden, Bevins P, Croker, Rae (Cadogan, 45); Thomas, Fitch

Score: 4:0
Scorers: Croker, Thomas, Bevins P, Fitch

Saturday 1st October saw OC's 2nds carry on the same form they had shown at the end of September by keeping a 3rd consecutive clean sheet at Home to Old Salvos 3rds. Despite the loss this week of the 'Giant' Lord from the centre of the back four, Foster ably filled his boots putting in a typically dogged, 'no frills' performance alongside the dependable but ever injury-prone Bevins Snr. Boots and Beill in the full back roles completing the very solid and experienced looking back line.

With Foster dropping into the defence it left a space in the middle of midfield for Croker to fill providing the legs to compliment our influential skipper Bevins Jnr. With Rae and Whickenden providing genuine width the midfield looked perfectly balanced (lets hope Sven and Tord got the video I sent).

With the pace and mobility of Fitch and Tom in attack this looked a particularly strong side from my vantage point on the subs bench. But what a bench by the way, the age and experience of Cadogan and the sheer bulk of Lancaster how many teams in this league would love to have the services of these two in their starting XI each week let alone picking splinters……? With 2 of last year's squad up in the 1st team this week, another back at University and Lordy missing it just goes to show what a good squad we have to choose from.

The match started evenly with both sides enjoying good possession, however it was OC's who created the better chances. With the front two regularly being left 2-on-2 with the opposing centre halves it was only a matter of time before Salvos paid for their commendable but 'cavalier' approach to the game. It was on a lightening counter attack that OC's took the lead. The ball only being partially cleared, after good build up work from Tom, as Jim Croker ran onto it and thumped it, on the volley into the far top corner for a very early contender for goal of the season. OC's continued to press and enjoy the better of the first half exchanges aided by an injury forcing Salvos to change personnel and drop their 'big lad' into the centre of midfield where he clearly wasn't as effective as he had been in attack although he was unable to wind up Bevins Snr who remained as calm and relaxed as always. As OC's pushed for the 2nd, chance upon chance went begging, notably as first Tom with a far post header and then Ali from distance rattling the bar. The surprising aerial prowess of Tom and Fitch continued to cause problems throughout the half but there was no change to the score at half time. Although if it hadn't been for an excellent save from Jamie after a melee, scooping the ball round the post whilst flat on his back, the scores would have been level. Special mention to Dave Cawley who proved himself a better referee than finisher as the first half went by with him almost unnoticed.

A change at half time saw ref Cawley put on his 'lost-cause chasing' boots and run out for the 4ths, and Cadogan replace Ali Rae on the left side of midfield, with Ali taking over Cawley's refereeing responsibilities. The second half continued as the first ended with both sides looking dangerous but with OC's defence standing firm preventing Jamie from having to make any saves of note. The defence was now bolstered by the replacement of Lancaster for Bevins Snr, much to the delight of Salvos left winger who didn't appreciate being mown down by someone of my 'physical presence'. On the one occasion when real danger threatened Foster produced a tremendous block in the box to deny Salvos a shot on goal. OC's continued to press forward and the pressure finally told as Salvo's aforementioned 'big lad' threw one too many tantrums and committed yet another needless foul on the half way line which lead to Tom beating the keeper in the air to nod in my inch perfect hopeful hanging punt upfield/free kick. With Salvos now desperately chasing the game the floodgates opened and Bevins Jnr and Fitch both got on the score sheet in the last 5 minutes. Phil finishing off another counter attack after Tom had been forced wide by the keeper and Fitchy saw his cross 'flapped' into his own net by the keeper, the league panel are yet to decide whether this goal will go down to Fitch or as an OG.

Final Score: OC's 4-0 Old Salvos.

THE LANCASTER VERDICT:
The over committing of the Salvos full backs and midfield to attack played into our hands leaving big gaps either side of the centre halves for the pace of our front 2 to exploit on the counter attack and did so time and again. The hard work of the midfield and defence to close down space and the opposition resulted in us being able to nullify any attacking threat offered. This is a huge result against last year's champions who actually played better than they did in either of our meetings last year. Yet another clean sheet should give us all huge confidence and long may it continue. Warning to all players, and I speak from experience, don't miss a week otherwise you could just find yourself on the bench when you return as someone has deservedly grabbed your place in the team.

It's a long season and we'll need a big squad to do well, competition for places is healthy and a good thing for everyone.

See you Saturday!

(Report by Nick Lancaster)

Man of the match: Jamie Williams - unbelievable double save to maintain proud run of clean sheets and generally commanded his area authoritatively.
(James Foster)