Southgate County IV 1 v 4 Old Wokingians III

Having already been eliminated from one cup the week before, County arrived at Firs Farm hoping to build on the performances of earlier weeks. And also glad that we didn't need to travel to Woking! Our oppo were late, (M25, nuff said) which meant a delayed kick off! We were hoping that this would give us an edge and rather optimistically hoped that the referee may give us the benefit in any 50/50 decisions.
Having got ourselves kitted out, we were taken aback to see our oppo in exactly the same blue coloured kit, only moments before kick off, with neither team having a spare kit. But thanks to Old Woodhouseians who had a spare kit to lend us. Although at half time it didn't stop Bateman walking with our oppo to join in the team talk.

Back to the match. County, welcoming back Gerry Clifford, got off to a bright start. There was plenty of movement and desire. A strong work ethic was being employed against an oppo who had several tall players. Aerial battles were key, but to our credit we challenged them every step of the way. Our play continued to be good, lots of communication and a significant improvement on last weeks outing. County were definitely on top. As has been the case sometimes this season we were not getting the rub of the green and some dubious decisions were going against us...in particular a number of offsides and in fact the oppo's first goal. The goal arguably came against the run of play and resulted from a long kick up front and with Dicko favourite to clear the ball away from danger the big lump of a striker clearly gave Dicko a slight push, which either the referee, who was only yards away, either missed or just simply ignored. The result? Ball runs through and was blasted into the goal from inside the box.

Despite the obvious discontent with the lack of favour from the ref, County continued to press and create some good space. The movement, passing and link up play was good and Frazer slid a delightful ball down the right, splitting the defenders. Aldeiri who collected the ball looked up and saw Kirk storming into the box, 6 yards out! A good low driven cross was inch perfect and with Kirk on cue, surely it was an equaliser that we deserved at the very least. Sadly, a swing with the right foot found air and the ball hit his standing foot. Cleared to safety. No problems, we continued to press and looked like the better team. The oppo had a throw in six yards out from the touch line. The warnings were already there and we were aware of the threat they posed from long throw ins. Bateman rose early to head it clear. Somehow, the ball skimmed of his head and defying the laws of physics fell straight down at the feet of the striker who scuffed it between the legs of our defender and the ball crept in. 2 nil down. Positively though we kept our heads up and remained positive. we were sure that with the way we were playing we could get back into this game. A cross from the left by Aldeiri hit the back post and typically when things aren't going your way the ball bounced kindly to the defender rather than a choice of Frazer, Bateman or Kirk who were all lurking with intent. Frazer was unlucky when he was played in, rounded the keeper having got to the ball first and with Kelly and Aldeiri in the box waiting for a tap in, the cross was skewed and out for a goal kick. Still, very positive play.

Approaching half time although down County were by no means out. And this was still the attitude during the half time team talk, despite conceding a third. If we were unhappy with the first, the third was even more scandalous. The ball was on the 18yard line bouncing into the on rushing keepers hands. And with the Dale, who had another solid performance in goal, seemingly getting 2 hands to it before the on rushing striker with his boot raised, danger seemed to be averted. Of course, the referee saw it differently. Who said goalies get too much protection. Dale was taken out by the striker and clearly picked up a knock. Referee didn't give the foul and the ball was tapped in.
The scoreline didn't reflect the performance and was harsh on County. Heads remained up. We were going toe to toe with a team effectively several divisions above us and you couldn't tell. Frazer had made another good run and was denied well by the keeper. Ball fell loose and Aldeiri was first to it and again, systematic of when things are going against you County were denied a blatant penalty. As Aldeiri was lining up the shot the centre back tugged at his shirt and kicked his ankle. Shot just wide and NO PENALTY. Unbelievable really.

Still in the game and with probably the only mistake in the game we were punished and down 4 nil. Kelly tried to play the ball to Frazer. It wasn't the best ball and easily cut out. With the Burnham who had a good game at left back, slightly out of position and the defence caught a little flat footed, the oppo had space to exploit and a drilled finish into the corner provided a scoreline that did not bare a true reflection on the game. Still positively, we continued to play good football and did not let our heads drop. Further half chances created and more good play, Kelly headed in from a corner. A deserved goal for all our play.
Aldeiri capitalised on an defensive error. The front two had been working the oppo defence hard and put them under pressure. As a result, Aldeiri was able to intercept a back pass and although the defender was bearing down on him, he had more time than the shout to shoot suggested. Shot was taken early and from the angle looking for the far corner, the ball flashed just wide.The good play continued but sadly the score did not change.

At the risk of sounding like a broken record the game was closer than the final score suggested. Nonetheless plenty of positives to take. The play is improving and now that we can concentrate on the league, if we continue to play like this we will be hard to beat and should go on a winning run. Heads didn't drop.

Sadly though there has to be comment on the one negative. And I am just as guilty today but we will get the rough end of decisions but we need to lay off the referee. Easier said than done.
Other than that, lets bring on next week and hopefully another 3 points.