Farncombe Youth 1 Guildford Saints Blues 1

Looking back on this match we actually played bloody well!! Keith, the Farncombe manager, shook my hand at the end of the match and mumbled something about "another rubbish performance" from his team but I think he does them a disservice... we actually didn't let them play for large periods and - for once - we kept possession well... and what a difference it made!

Starting with a 4-4-2 formation the Blues took the game to Farncombe right from the first whistle. Ellis looked lively in a little "hole" behind main striker Alex W, and Mike P and Tom tackled tigerishly to win back possession on many occasions. Early on a flu-ridden Jack was replaced by Joe and he had an excellent match tracking back to support George as well as joining the attacks. In defence we were very strong. Marcus attacked the ball with much more confidence and Jacob was his usual commanding self. George and Chris both played well, covering when required and winning vital tackles regularly.

Just before half time Alex W put us into a well earned lead after a period of intense pressure on the Farncombe goal. Ellis in particular was a constant threat. Moments later though Alex O saved superbly so that we remained ahead at the interval.

A number of substitutions around the half time break seemed to disrupt the balance and momentum of the side and Farncombe came back into the game a bit more. Midway through the half they equalised when a corner was completely missed by Alex O and poked into his own net by Mike B but after this it was all one way traffic as the Blues laid siege to the Farncombe goal with Ed & Mike B, in particular, surging forward at every opportunity. Unfortunately, despite numerous chances, we were unable to score what would have been a deserved winner.

Farncombe resorted to a couple of very crude challenges towards the end but I was pleased that we rose above this and continued to play the better football - it's a sign of the progress we've made this weekend that I'm a little bit disappointed at the final result when we would have taken a draw with both hands before this match!!

Very pleased with the team as a whole. Alex O again did very well in goal as cover for Nathan and Ellis, Mike P and Tom all played very well today. The defence looked much more secure as well - and what a difference it made to see Marcus going for and winning his headers plus getting some strong ball winning tackles in too. We have a weeks break now but I hope the boys can come back with the same determination and effort when we play Grayshott in two weeks time.

Man of the Match - Marcus Taylor