Grayshott 1 Guildford Saints Blues 2

I found myself whistling at work today... something I very rarely do especially on a Monday and even more especially on a Monday after Fulham have lost!!! Why? Well it's because the boys really did me proud on Sunday. I thought that - despite the result - the Blues had looked very good last weekend against Farncombe but this match saw us show not only good shape but also a determination and resolve to compete all over the pitch. In the end we got our just desserts with a deserved victory and the fact that we limited high fliers Grayshott to barely a couple of chances all game makes the massive improvement in our solidity even more pleasing.

Right from the off we were the team with impetus and drive. Alex O and Joe are beginning to form a great partnership in midfield and with Ellis continually dropping off to pick the ball up in space we do look dangerous. Scott worked tirelessly up front as usual but it was Chris Smith who had our first chance with a delightful free kick that hit the top of the bar. Ed was giving Grayshott continual problems down the left as well and it was only a matter of time surely before we scored. In the end it was another Smithy free kick that broke the dead lock. This time the young left back kept the ball below the cross bar and above the flailing 'keepers hands for his first goal for the club much to the joy of his delighted team mates.

Throughout the first half we continued to contain Grayshott's attacks and break quickly and it looked like we were going to take the 1-0 lead into the break. Unfortunately - just like last week - we switched off at the back right on half time with hesitation again between Nathan and his defence allowing Grayshott an equaliser.

In the second half it was more of the same. Scott and Ed switched and again Ed caused them all sorts of problems with his pace. Alex O with first Joe and then Mike P worked tirelessly in midfield to regain possession but the star man was Tom Oldland. His fierce tackling, excellent reading of the game and driving runs to bring the ball out from the back were an inspiration to his team mates especially Marcus & George who both rose to the challenge in the second half too as the defence limited previously free scoring Grayshott to only two or three half chances. The only time Grayshott did break through Nathan pulled off a fantastic save at the feet of their striker.

Just as it looked that a draw was going to be the rather unsatisfactory final result. Ellis stepped forward and grabbed the glory as he cleverly made space for himself before chipping the goalkeeper beautifully to make it 2-1. There was barely time for Grayshott to recover before the final whistle went on one of our best victories of the season.

Very, very pleased with the last two team performances. The team is picking itself at the moment and the players continue to surpass my expectations. Special mentions to Joe B - who I thought had another excellent performance, Chris - whose dead ball work is a massive plus for us and Alex O - who was really on his game today. Well done to everyone though - the whole team is playing well at the moment.

Man of the Match - Tom Oldland