Meadow Too Strong

Today we faced our 3rd very tough game of the season so far. AFC Meadow came into this game with a ludicrous goal difference and boasting a striker with 16 goals in 4 games. It was always going to be tough against a team that should be in Division 1, but unfortunately we still let ourselves down - especially in a very poor second half display.

We started brightly, taking a deserved early lead. Lorenzo Favata and Luca Mortellaro linked well down the left from a throw and the former passed to Robbie Wilson who's goal bound effort took a wicked deflection and flew into the far corner.

It was clear Meadow were a good side, but we were defending well, albeit in last ditch fashion at times. We should have gone 2-0 up on 20 when Wilson' free kick was spilled by the keeper, but Joey Stevens fired over when we'll placed.

5 minutes later Meadow were awarded a soft penalty when Sam Pike outmuscled his man and the ref gave a spot kick. It was soft, but understandable why the ref gave it. Not even Damo, who has been inspired with penalty saving recently, could save this one.

Unfortunately from here on in we struggled. Meadow scored two goals, one right before half time, to go in 3-1 up at half time. Both goals were slick in their creation, but came from us failing to clear the ball initially. Normally we would get away with such failings, but not against this outfit.

Rich Crosby had a good header from Wils' corner blocked at 2-1.

The second half was instantly forgettable. Where in the first half we kept our discipline in formation, in the second we played like individuals. Damo and the defence were left helpless - this cannot happen again.

Needless to say Meadow took advantage clinically. Some of the goals were good, some avoidable - one in particular from a corner was too easy.

From our point of view it was a very poor second half. A few gave up and a few forgot their roles. This was the disappointing aspect.

They are a better team than us. Hell, they are a better team than a good few Division 1 teams, but we didn't match them for endeavour or play as a team in the second half. We are better than that.

Having played what look like the 3 best teams in this Division now it appears we are more than capable of competing with 11 of them. Today's opposition should walk to the title and get back where they belong in Division 1.

As far as I am concerned this game is in the bin. We will learn from it, but forget it.

MoM - Wils - our best player on the pitch. Mentions for Ash who was good and Luca who worked hard.

Thanks to Andy and Dan for filming and to Odgie for helping me out. It was good to have Jay back involved too ahead of schedule.