Report

A nice opportunity to play a good team and keep the boys playing competitive football.

We set up with 2 wing-backs and 3 defenders in the first half. We looked great going forward but Mitch and Jay struggled to get back as often as needed. It's something we must work on though, because as the squad gets stronger we need to try to find a formation that enables us to keep our best players on the pitch for most of the game.

The first half was close fought with minor chances for each team, but no goals.

0-0 Half-time

We set up in the second half with a 4-4-2 the boys looked more comfortable. Alex was once again very dominant in defence, and what I liked more than anything was the fact that he is starting to talk much more during the game, and players are starting to listen.

Mitch scored first with a volley following a cross from the right. He got his second following some neat passing play involving Callum. Luke chipped the keeper, hitting the post, and Mitch ran in for a simple tap in. Our third came from a good cross from Chedda who played very well in the second half, pushing on at every opportunity down the right wing. His cross fell to Dan who shot, and Luke slid in amongst bodies on the six yard line to score. Shownea got our fourth with good shielding of the ball in the box and a great turn and shot. Final score 4-0 to Rushden.

A good display by the boys. At times in the second half our passing play was very good. Our distribution from the back is improving. We just need to keep playing games and build on what we have done this season. It was nice to see Callum fitting in so well in the game with our team. One or two more new faces may appear over the coming months to help us strengthen for Div 1 next season.

Thanks to Earls Barton for a good friendly game. The penalty shoot-out was fun at the end. Congratulations to Lloyd on winning the trophy.