Southgate County II 4 - 1 Latymer County Old Boys III

Southgate County II 4 v 1 Latymer Old Boys II
(Arnold 2, Thirgood B, Shamlian)

Southgate’s first game post- Christmas was against the same oppo as our last game just before. It was good to get back playing and we had a strong squad available.

Latymer started the stronger team and had a good spell in the first 5 minutes; there was definitely a bit of nervousness about our play. Despite being second best Latymer didn’t create any real chances; some decent play was well snuffed out by us on a couple of occasions. We then got into the game and began to get on top. A couple of good balls into the box could have led to a goal but we either didn’t gamble on a flick on, or had an attempt blocked. We took the lead close to 20 minutes and it was a great goal. The ball was played up to James Thirgood who controlled brilliantly on his chest, turned and played a great ball through to Ben Thirgood who outpaced the defence and expertly dinked the ball over the onrushing keeper into the net. Great centre forward play from James and an excellent finish from Ben. It was a real high quality goal. We were 2 up soon after. We worked the ball well out to Arnold on the right corner of the box; he brilliantly dinked the ball over the keeper and into the opposite top corner. Latymer then had a good 10 minute spell. We just couldn’t get on the ball and Latymer were dominant; we couldn’t clear our lines and eventually deservedly conceded; a nice one two on the edge of the box and a good finish made it 2-1. It was possibly offside but it was a deserved goal after a good spell from Latymer. We finished the half with a strong 10 minutes and got back on top of the game. A couple of minutes before half time we made it 3-1. Arnold played a cross in from the right that went over the keepers head and into the net…a great time to score and probably a fair half time score-line.

We spoke at half time about how important the next goal was and ensuring we kept our discipline and concentration. Stef and Mason came on at half time to add some fresh legs. Latymer came out of the blocks very quickly but like the first half we snuffed out a couple of attacks comfortably enough. Again, as with the first half we managed to get on top and despite the very heavy pitch put together some lovely moves. One such attack saw us brilliantly work the ball through to Stef who cut in from the right flank; his cross-come-shot probably should have resulted in a goal. Latymer were still well in the game and Jack Clark took one for the team when they did break through with a very sensible ‘tackle’…the resulting free kick was really well held by Robbie Wallis in goal. We ended the game as a contest after 70 minutes; a brilliant corner from Mason was met by an absolute bullet header by Stef…he wanted it more than anyone else. We could have scored more but so could Latymer in all honesty. We were guilty of over-playing a bit in the last 20 minutes but at 4-1 up it’s understandable. Moreover we rotated players to keep things fresh.

Overall an excellent performance and great win, especially in light of the fact we hadn’t played since a couple of weeks before Christmas. Man of the Match could have gone to a number of players; Jack, Ben, Ardit and Arnold all got votes but it went to Robbie Wallis who was solid throughout and made some good saves at key points.

Team; Robbie, Michael, Jack C, Ryan, Ardit, Arnold, Damien, Ben, Anthony, Mason, James, Declan, Stef.