vs Sitges 2-5 loss

Surprisingly i think this game was a turning point for us. Sitges has always been a bogey side to many of the clubs in this league and have consistently been at the top of the tables year in year out. A depleted squad without Branko and a recognised goalkeeper, and we were looking at a stuffing.

For once, the phonecalls and hassle helped and we had a squad of 15, meaning that we would not get beaten for stamina, and the game began. Mike Roberts went in goal against his wishes as jordi will not be returning to the side. It was immediately obvious that we were going to miss him and a flapped cross enabled Sitges to go 1-0 up very early on. Carlos was having a battle of epic proportions with the entire Sitges team and was very successful in winding them up. Centre backs Rich and Tom were successfully bullying the Centre forwards but the back posts were very weak and it seemed that if the ball went over their heads it would be a goal. 2-0 up and not at all having the majority of the game, the very unlikeable Sitges team started to attack Carlos and were finally getting obvious reactions from him. On a yellow card already it was going to be necessary to sub him at half time to keep 11 on the pitch. Tom seemed to be happily crunching players left and right without any warnings so at least we weren't light at the back.

The small pitch in Sitges wasn't giving our wingers much room to work with and it was almost a surprise when Lluis nipped behind the defence and scored a goal to drag us back into the game. It was very much game on and we pushed forward with Ian and Kyle looking composed in midfield. As ever our shooting was letting us down. Dom and Alberto were not hitting the target, but we were creating alot of chances. Once more the Sitges team broke and a back post ball once more nodded in made it 3-1, soft goal after all the hard work at the other end. They quickly added another which realistically should have been saved, but Doms relentless character assasination of Mike in goal had reduced his confidence to tatters.

Lluis once more provided a retaliatory strike to make it 4-2 and once more the reply from the back post nod in was enough to silence any thoughts of a come back. The game came to a close seemingly very quickly, and although the scoreline looked comfortable, we really could have beaten them.

Lessons learned....

1. Defend the back post with the full backs better. It will inevitably improve with a good run in the side for the same players. 3 goals were scored today due to this.

2. Goalkeepers are absolutely necessary, and we need a replacement for Jordi asap.

3. We need a couple of out and out strikers and we'll be winning these games.

4. 4-5 subs make a huge difference to the game as fesh legs add that something extra to the team.

Honorary mentions:
Antti - ran his heart out up front out of position and almost scored
Jan - very composed at right back as a sub, and could be a good addition
Tom - Der Panzer, relentless with his tackling, agressive with his attitude, deserved Man of the Match

We can look forward to next saturdays cup game with relish. it will be harder that Sitges but we have a couple of strikers to try out, and Branko is back, so heads up, we fought hard and well on saturday. The only way is up.....vive Michael Collins!!!