Following the directions provided we came across a sign that said ‘Weybridge vandals’ so having heard about their recent disciplinary issues we knew we’d found the right place. Remarkably given the recent downpours and upon hearing via Sky Sports News that the Reserves game had been called off, we were greeted by a green pitch without any puddles. The Ref was running late but it gave us the opportunity to have a thorough warm up and a detailed discussion about the team, formation and tactics. This put us in a positive mind-set and with a mixture of youth and experience we set about our task of keeping the ball on the deck and trying to out pass the opposition. The match started well for us and possession was shared for the opening period before Hersham finally prized open our dogged back four and found the back of the net. Undeserved and against the run of play we did not let our heads down and continued to press. There were some good firm challenges flying in and some nice crisp passes that led to several counter attacks and corners but sadly we couldn’t take advantage. A flying header just before the half time whistle from Jamie Stevens was probably our best chance of the half.

2-0 down at half time was quite harsh on us but the team talk remained positive and we were determined to get something out of this game. Changes were made and Russ Cole made his first appearance of the season, coming on at right midfield. Sadly all the positivity in the world couldn’t stop the opposition scoring three quick goals from outside the area, at least two of which were misdirected crosses which basically sums our season up so far. Jack Cotton continued to run at their defence and press up the field, ably supported well by Jamie, Andy, Sam, Steve and Ric but we just couldn’t get a break. The second half was compounded by a miskicked corner by Hersham which came off Shane’s knee, hit their Striker on the nose, brushed off Russ Cole’s quiff and snuck inside the near post. After that we continued to make some good inroads but another goal for Hersham was not far away.

Despite the score line the defence looked much more organised and held a good line, with much better communication between Shane and Marcus, especially late on in the game with the introduction of the evergreen Graham Cotton. The midfield continues to work hard and the front line ran their socks off. Having said all that there are a few of the squad who need to improve on their fitness and should be crawling off the pitch at the end of the game having given everything they’ve got, rather than resembling a 65 year old Vet player after 20 minutes. We will work on this at training but you have to be making an effort in your own time too if you want to improve as an individual and as a teammate. Our passing remains hit and miss at times and we need to work on our composure and creating space for ourselves. We can carve teams apart with 5 or 6 good passes one minute, but then give the ball away carelessly and concede a goal the next. We were beaten by a team equal to us but who kept two solid banks of players in defence and midfield which in the end were just too strong for us.

All in all I fully believe this is the most possession we’ve enjoyed and the most amount of combined time spent in the opposition half. Let’s focus on the positives, eradicate the negatives and move on to next week.”

Cheers mate

Steve