No: 59– 09/01/2018

 

 

Mince pies can’t stop Willows

We had a scare early on the morning of Saturday’s match, as Phil “I can see the club from here” Beauman posted a frosty photo of the pitches.  At the noon pitch inspection, I told the opposition captain that the minis training had been cancelled and he was bewildered.  “But that’s what minis are for; to warm up the surface!”

As it turned out, it only took the Willows a mere 68 secs to warm up the game, with a fine early score by Jack Ashworth setting the tone for the first half.  The Otters reeled and we advanced mercilessly as one, pressing the whole team forward to contain the opposition and dominate play in their half.  Good quality goals by Rob Simmons and Mark Donnelly were the result, and the first half score-line of 3-0 felt right.

There had been warning signs in the first half as the Otters broke through once or twice, but a sterling rock-solid performance from our debut goalie, Joseph Middleweek, saved us from having to address the issue.   The second half was a different matter, as the Otters’ coach had spotted the opportunity.  Placing forwards behind our over-high back line, his plan created repeated breakthrough opportunities until we finally realised our exuberant play of the first half needed to be toned down.    But as our defenders stepped back, while our forwards and right-mid continued pressing up, our central midfield became stretched and thin.   Donka scored again – a good weaving dribble in the D -  but the Otters scrambled a messy goal and ultimately our untidy second half was testament to a slight lack of experience.   

However, 4-1 was still a good result and an improvement on previous performances against the Otters.  The Willows looked a fine sight, with not a mince pie paunch in view.  A surging sea of purple and white…all except Simon “Hat and Coat” Rose who I believe was under strict instructions from his mum to keep wrapped up.

Once again, I was greatly impressed by our youngsters.  It’s a different challenge for them every week – this time there were no particularly huge adults to knock them down but there were seven colts against our three.   Despite this, our boys produced an exceptional workrate and were far more evident than theirs, with Charlie Britt frequently running up and down the entire length of the pitch, William Holden matching him in covering a huge area from side-to-side, and Jack Ashworth providing a constant threat up front.  

“Man of the Match” went deservedly to Joseph for a remarkable first-ever performance in goal.   I had forgotten to tell him the slightly basic fact that the opposition can only score inside the D but he had been up much of the night revising (he is a teacher, after all) and his mature play was exemplified by a great incident when we saw him spread his arms to tell his defenders “it’s safe, not been touched, I’m leaving it”.    I also saw him place his foot precisely no further than the left post so that the goal was covered but the shot was allowed to go wide untouched.  Reaction saves as well, so well done.    Runners-up were William and Donka, with honourable mentions for Charlie, Brett and Michael.   “Sergio of the Day” went to the Hat and Coat man, with one voter simply writing “Simon. Obviously”.  Alex came close, however, for getting tantalisingly near to the bar before having to go all the way back down for his forgotten stick.  And Brett was equal second, for having the name Brett.  Obviously.

Next week I predict a challenge.  We beat Old Southendian 6s when they came to us, but they have a good home record against decent teams.  But with an aggressive start to set the tone, and the Willows spirit to carry us through, we should be looking for another win to keep us flying.

 

Club Social Event

Curry Night - 27th January

This event is an opportunity to eat drink and be merry and help raise funds for the Club. Tickets are available from the bar £10 adult £5 U16’s and must be purchased prior to the event to ensure there is enough to go around!

 

This week’s Fixtures

Home Fixtures

Pitch 1                                                                   Pitch 2

11:15      No Game                                            11:15      No Game

13:00      Ladies 1s v Maidstone 1                     13:00      Academy v Saffron Walden 5

14:30      Men’s 2s v Tonbridge Old Boys          14:30      Ladies 4s v Southend & Benfleet 2

16:00      No Game                                             16:00      No Game

 

Away Fixtures

Men                                                                        Ladies

Men’s 3s v St Albans 3 Loppers v Saffron Walden Willows v Rochford 2

Ladies 2s v Bishop Stortford 1 Ladies 3s v Havering 2 Ladies 5s v Harlow 2

Coming up……………..

11th March – Presidents Day

21st April - End of Season Ball

25th – 28th May - Fun in the Forest

May – July – OLHC Summer League

Items for HH to office by Monday 10 am please