Report

This week was the turn of the Charity Cup first round. We were drawn at home to Pembury reserves, and after last week’s performance against Rusthall Res I was hoping we’d carry that momentum into this weeks fixture.

It was a scorcher of a day, and it wasn’t helped by certain individuals letting the team down at late notice. Sparky came into centre back with Scotty, whilst Jess and Micky retained their full-back positions.

A 5-man midfield of Cleiton, Nathan and a central trio of RJ, Foggy and Ash Steers for his first start in Capel Colours. Tommy was the lone ranger up top. G-man, whilst still injured, offered to run the line and my thanks go to him for his efforts.

We kick off towards the pavilion and whilst it was clear we had a lot of the ball, we wasted a few chances taking theHollywoodoption a little early. I couldn’t really fault the effort, but poor decision-making at times put us under unnecessary pressure. Tension was eased when Nathan, put down the right, squared the ball across to RJ some 15 yards out. He took a touch and hit a rising ball on the half volley into the roof of the net to put us ahead.

We let Pembury back into the fixture when a player was allowed time to scythe a shot past Monk to level affairs. On the pitch, tempers frayed a little and we ran the risk of caving in a little bit. Fortunately, we stuck to task and played a patient game to see the half out with scores level.

Taking on some much-needed water, we made it clear that we had to pick ourselves up a little bit and find that extra gear or two that would separate the two teams. Foggy and Steersy had seen plenty of the ball but it would be good to see these two in and around the edge a little more by playing it wide and finding space.

The Capel Sniper once again found another victim this week. Jess, who appeared a little worse for wear, tore down the right hand side only to inexplicably fall to the ground with the ball at his feet. Micky came into life a little more in the second half, and teamed up well with Cleiton, who I think we’d all agree played out of his skin in the second half. Tommy did his usual and ran and ran and ran; and it was his hard work that paid off dividends when he squared well across the front of goal for Nathan to slot home for his first of the game. We soon earned a penalty and Cleiton stepped up to place low to the keepers right for his well deserved first of this campaign.

Nathan once again got into a great forward position and found time to smash beyond the keeper from close range and took his tally this season to 7 already – this promises to be a great season for him if he keeps working hard at his game.

Another new addition to the Team, Ash Steers, was an absolute menace this week, covering acres of ground and constantly harassing the opposition; perhaps our very own Scott Parker?! He found himself with time and space some 40 yards out to press towards goal and unleash an unstoppable 20 yard drive high to the keepers left to open his Capel account and get our fifth of the game.

An impressive scoreline and an impressive performance, particularly in the second half when we really picked ourselves up and found those extra gears. For his workrate this week I’ll give man of the Match to Mr Steers, I want to see more of that next week!

Home to Pembury again next week, this time in the league. Super Capel!!!