Depleted WWFC Gift Santos Win

Firstly, legitimate reasons or not, it is disappointing to name a squad of 16 and lose 5 of those players before kick off. We appreciate injuries and health issues, but it is nonetheless frustrating for Matt as manager as all tactical plans and options basically go out of the window when this happens, especially when a player drops out on the morning with no word or warning.

Matt drafted himself into the squad to at least give us one substitute.

Moving on. We have now played every team in this Division and I believe there is literally no one we should fear and believe we are capable of beating every team. It is such a shame that we have been unable to remain consistent at any stage during this season as I genuinely feel we could be up there fighting for a top 4 place.

AFC Santos edged this game thanks to us gifting them two goals in the second half. In truth there was very little between the two sides throughout the game, but we were sloppy/unfortunate enough to allow them chances that they took clinically. It sort of sums up our season.

The first half was end to end stuff, but there were very few clear cut chances. Damo made a very good save from a long range shot, but that was the best Santos offered.

Going forward we played some good stuff. Louis had a goal ruled out after a fine move - it looked a correct decision. Ski headed over from a corner when well placed and our best chance fell to Jay who got into a great position down the right but may have got caught in two minds as whether to cross or shoot and in the end did neither.

The first great chance of the match fell to us in the 50th minute. Santos failed to clear a corner and the ball fell to Luca on the penalty spot. Luca hit a good left footed effort that seemed destined to give us the lead, but their keeper made an outstanding save to tip it wide.

Then we fell behind 5 minutes later. Silvio slipped when trying to clear a through ball and the ball fell to their best player and he neatly lobbed Damo.

We showed good character to get ourselves level. David Penny sliced a clearance to Lorenzo Favata. Lorry took a couple of touches before lashing home from 25 yards emphatically. It was another contender, amongst many, for our Goal of the Season award.

Unfortunately we then committed the cardinal sin of failing to mark properly at a corner and Santos edged ahead for a second time. It was a good delivery, but we cannot leave men free to attack the ball.

It was 3-1 a few minutes later. This time Lorry was unlucky to slip over as the conditions continued to worsen on a miserable morning, and they profited again thanks to an accurate finish from the edge of the box. Damo got fingers to it, but it was pretty much in the corner.

The rest of the game played out with very little incident. The Bossman came on with 15 minutes to go but even he couldn't get us back into it.

This was a game of fine margins, but Santos took advantage to go top of the League, albeit having played a game more. They are top of the League despite failing to take an average of 2 points a game which is the bare minimum of what you would expect the top team to take. That shows you have open this League has been. We really have missed a trick this year.

Anyway, yesterdays results mean that we now only need a point to be mathematically safe from relegation. While I believe we should never have been worrying about this sort of situation, let's go out and get the result we need next Sunday at The Castle. A positive result ahead of THAT match on the 18th would be a massive boost.

MOM - Harwood - Won a lot of tackles and decent distribution too in midfield. A strong game. Mentions too for Mark and Dave who both did well.

Thanks to Matt and Lorry for running the line and to Steve who continues to come and support despite his injury - this time in bloody awful weather. Massively appreciated Steve.