Saturday 1st Team v Delaford Colts

This week saw Old Windsor back in league action taking on title favourites Delaford. We always knew that this was going to be our biggest test of the season, but to add to this we had a few first team regulars missing. Having said that it was great to welcome Gus Bowles (singing from Windsor FC) to the squad and Luke and Adam recovered from injuries to take a spot on the bench.
 
There was a bit of re-shuffling with Harry back in goal, Matt coming in at left back, Rick in midfield, Nick making his first start up top and Gus on the wing.
 
Old Windsor started the first half going into the wind, and to be honest were finding it very difficult to have any impact on the game with Delaford making a fast start. Having said that the defence was standing firm with neither team creating any chance in the opening 20 minutes of the game.
 
For Old Windsor the out ball was the wingers who seemed to have the beating of either full back for pace, however the pressure Delaford were applying to our midfield was making it difficult to get those lads into the game.
 
Delaford had a couple of long shots which were comfortable for Harry in goal, but although they had all the ball and looked a threat getting in behind there were remarkably few chances until a through ball saw the Delaford striker break through one on one with Harry who made himself big and made a good save.
 
Half time 0-0
 
The second half started and straight away Old Windsor were looking bright and competing much higher up the pitch with the wind behind them. Within a couple of minutes saw our best chance of the game fall to Gus. A good cross came through to him and he created half a yard before hitting his shot straight at the keeper.
 
It was then fairly end to end with Delaford playing some good football, but Old Windsor also getting on the ball and looking much more of a threat. Delaford then had a good chance to take the lead when the striker done well to beat his man before hitting a good strike which was brilliantly saved by Harry in goal.
 
On the break Old Windsor created another chance with the ball finding it’s way to Gus. He cut in from the left hand side and hit a right footed shot over the bar from about 20 yards ours.
 
On the hour mark Delforad took the lead when a kick from Harry found a Delaford midfielder free in the middle of the park. He picked the ball up and went wide before a cross found the striker on the 6 yard box and he slammed home to put Delaford 1-0 in front.
 
Unfortunately five minutes later saw the end of the game with Nick dislocating his ankle whilst jumping for a header and landing awkwardly. We wish Nick a speedy recovery and hope that we might see him back playing at the tail end of the season.
 
The game was fairly well balanced at this stage with Delaford deservedly 1-0 to the good, it will now be down to the league to decide whether this is the full time result, the final 25 minutes get played or if the game is replayed. To be honest we will support the league in any decision made and can hold our heads high with the way we treated the incident. The same can be said to Delaford who although frustrated, were brilliant in their help and understanding of the situation.
 
We have no game next week, the week after we will remain in league action against high flying Singh Sabha at home. This will be followed with our last game before the Christmas break which is away to Crowthorne in the league cup.