Combined Counties League Division One – Saturday 20th October 2012
South Kilburn F.C. 2 Warlingham F.C. 1

Warlingham came into this game on the back of a poor run and a cup defeat by our closest rivals Farleigh last week. So next up South Kilburn who are having a great run and sit second in the league. Despite heavy rain over the past few days the pitch was not as wet as we had feared and after a little work the standing water had been removed and the game was on.

Just about everything has been going against the Wars in the past few months but with some new players and a fierce determination we will turn things round however long it takes. The fight back starts today with anew team spirit and work ethic.

Into the game and it was clear from the off that our luck was not about to turn anytime soon! Within 2 minutes we had conceded a free kick when Coleman was adjudged to have kicked the enormous SK centre forward in the face. Given he came from the blind side it was a pure accident and somehow the referee gave an indirect free kick in our box which Dilley was alert and we cleared our lines. Seconds later a through ball was being attacked by the outrushing Dilley but his clearance hit the SK player who raced through but was forced wide and he could only shot wide of the post when the goal gaped.

SK were certainly on top in these early exchanges but given the number of new personnel it is not surprising it was taking a while for the team to gel together. The big number 10 was causing problems with his size and power playing centre half at times and centre forward as well!! A strange but as it turned out a successful strategy.

Wars gradually got into the game with Marks and Gladwin working well down the left and Marks getting in some useful crosses which looked dangerous but initially came to nothing. One cross earned Wars a corner which SK struggled to clear and Giles found himself slipped through in the box with the goal at his mercy but unfortunately he hit his shot wide when it looked easier to score. He then hit a scorcher of a shot coming in from the left-hand side and forced a very good save from the SK keeper who just managed to get the ball away for a corner. Now Wars were clearly on top and the game was being played in the SK half.

Marks who was having an influence broke through after 30 minutes but managed to shoot wide but things were looking good as Wars were playing well creating chances and beginning to look like a stronger unit at the back.

Just then luck deserted us again as Coleman was adjudged to have fouled the giant number 10 about 30 yards from goal. The next thing we know the ball has arrowed into the top right hand corner and were 1 nil down. I think it is now referred to as a “worldy”. I doubt the fella will do that again for a very long time. War 1-0 down.

4 minutes later and it got worse. This time it was all down to poor defending. We tried to shepherd the ball out and failed. We tried to clear and miss kicked to an SK forward who also mishit his shot straight to a colleague on the far post who didn’t miss.

It was very frustrating to watch so it must have been even more frustrating on the field and in the dugout but heads didn’t seem to drop and we came right back with a chance of our own as the referee played 53 minutes in the first half. Marks again making good progress down the left hit a great cross in to the edge of the 6 yard box which was met by Munongidi who headed high and wide when a more precise effort was required.

Half time Wars 2-0 down having had the better of the play.

Wars came out for the 2nd half with a renewed sense of determination, the management team having gone to work during the break. Riccardo went close early on and then Wars were right back in it. Following a defensive “airshot” Ronnie delivered a cross and Marks scored from close range to make it 2-1.

Wars were now going for it and Coates got a difficult header on target just afterwards but the keeper saved. Going for it always comes with risks at the other end and SK nearly went further ahead but Dilley managed to get a hand to the shot and palm it onto the post. The ball ran along the line and Nicoli cleared.

Joseph replaced Coates after 56 minutes to complete his comeback from a broken ankle. SK were still very much in it and they went close again as they shot wide and Dilley saved to keep the game alive.

Wars continued to battle with Joseph having an immediate impact and Balogun who had been busy all game worked well to keep the pressure on the SK defence. The action finished with a Balogun/Joseph one two and Joseph chipping to the far post without success.

Final score 2-1 SK.

Wars played well, battled hard and were the better side for long periods. Just a little bit of luck will turn things around and with the renewed effort and an improving team spirit and morale that will soon come.

Team: Dilley, Gladwin, Nicoli, Coleman, Blake, Giles, Coates, Marks, Munongidi, Williams, Marks Sub used: Joseph, Hindson

MOM: Lots of great performances. Coleman dealt well with the giant number 10. Nicoli looked in control behind him. Dilley made important saves that kept us in the game. Giles and Coates never stopped their running and tackling in midfield. Marks was always dangerous down the left and got us back in the game with the goal. Ronnie has a real ability and showed bursts of real quality. Williams, Balogun and later Joseph all gave the SK defence an uneasy afternoon. Standout on the day for your reporter was Gladwin. His defensive efforts and his accurate passing together with his link play with Marks was outstanding all afternoon.

This will turn around quickly if we keep the faith and work as a team as we did today against SK who are now top of the league.