Report

In a nutshell we were out thought & out fought in this one!

Fielding probably the youngest starting 11 in Punnetts history we had hoped we might be able to out football the hosts with our pace & quick feet but in the end their experience & togetherness was too much for us.

Not known as an overly physical side we had earmarked this fixture as an oppurtunity to play the kids & as previously mentioned our back 5 boasted an average age of 20! The midfield 5 equated out to 22 & the bench alone with a combined age of 235 was the only thing counter balancing things!!

We started quite brightly & moved the ball around well for the opening 15 minutes but like a house as cards as soon as the 1st goal went in our fragile confidence evaporated & we collapsed, spending the next 20 minutes absorbing punishment with no real response or fightback.

The 2nd half was a little better as we did at least start to mix it up a bit but we were still toothless in attack & in all honesty could-ve probably played all day without managing to register on the scoresheet. That said we were denied some comfort when Josh was wiped out by their on rushing keeper when through on goal - unfortunately the ref was so far behind the play he was the only person in attendance who failed to see it as a penalty, when yours lucks out it seems the worlds against you!?!

In the end despite the best efforts of our favourite ref Mr Lucas to ruin the game, 3-0 was probably a fair result as our solid, well organised hosts ground out a result.

Whilst it was good to see Sheebo back from long term injury he spent much of the game as an isolated figure with no decent service or support.

Men against boys in the end i-m afraid lads! It-s pretty hard to see us getting turned over by sides we would-ve brushed aside last season but we-ve got to be big enough to take it on the chin, keep plugging away & believe we will turn the corner eventually.

We could probably learn something by taking a leaf out of Polegate-s book - they are the epitomy of a -team- with everyone working for each other & doing their part for the side - the challenge is for us to get back to that sort of spirit & performance level..

Onwards & upwards!