SOUTH-WARKED-IT!!

 

  Croydon United were taught a lesson in how to play team football on Sunday, by a 5 star Southwark performance.  I decided to change my, tried n trusted, 4-4-2 formation and opted for a 4-5-1 to try and stem the attacking pressure from our premier league opponents.  The first 30 mins went according to plan with us frustrating Southwark and holding them to just a few shots at goal.  It also has to be said that Croydon didn’t create much together due to the 'shock' of pressure exerted from a premiership team.  Eventually the rear guard was broken around the half hour mark when Southwark’s pressure finally got what it deserved, and unfortunately was doubled on the stroke of half time with a low, fired cross across the face of goal which deflected off poor old Kirk Bullen.

 

     Southwark’s pressure continued in the second half and only through great goalkeeping from Aaron Tarry and a good rear guard Croydon defence, did the score only finish 0-5.  Overall i found this a lack lustre performance by ourselves and I feel several players let them selves down on the day, but take no credit away from Southwark who fully deserved their 5-0 victory.  Even though it was a tough game on Sunday I hope the lads take the experience of the game to future matches and now concentrate on making a push up the league and challenging for honours by the end of the season.

     

Man of the match against Southwark was awarded in a joint capacity, I don’t usually do this but felt Aaron Tarry played superbly in goal on Sunday and kept the score well down to several great saves and he seemed to be hitting the form that he was hitting last year so long may that continue, and also to Tom McDaid who led from example on Sunday and fully proved why he is captain of Croydon United with his never give up approach, I felt he had a very good game as well just like the rest of the defence,  with the pressure they soaked up,  all 4 defenders can be happy with there performance on Sunday. 

     

         I would also like to announce the player of the month for October which is Ian Don, Ian banged in 4 goals in as many games, and also hit an outstanding hatrick against Villacourt Rovers at the start of the month, I feel Ian has responded very well over the last 4 to 5 weeks and has established himself into a forward role which he has proved to myself he fully deserves, with the pressures of Leon and Rob also looking for starting roles upfront in the team it is all healthy competition within the club in general.

     

      This week we're back to the league and we'll be visiting Germains in a 10.30 kick off, hopefully, now all the cup games are out of the way, we can concentrate on the league and build on our position for the season.  I expect this encounter to be a tough game and going through the form guide of our opponents, this could prove to be a very tricky fixture!  We are without Kirk Bullen through injury and Keith Greenhead due to prior engagements and will also be expected to rest Alan Thornhill on the bench Sunday as I look towards rotating some of the team this weekend (as long as we are committed at training as we all agreed).  This will also be a good game for some of the fringe players to stake there claim this weekend and I will be looking to see a good response from all these players and take there chance full handed.

     

Look forward to the game on Sunday and hopefully I will have something to shout about on here next week.

 

Liam