After last weeks day off we were all excited to get back out onto the pitch this afternoon. Today was the first time this season that we have played a team for the second time meaning our preparation for the game could be more specific to the opposition .
The team headed off for kick off with clear instructions from the sidelines, we started very strong, keeping good spells of possession and, as predicted, found lots of joy down the width. It was in the 17th minute where Cormac picks up the ball on the half volley and strikes it sweetly into the bottom right corner to give us a one nil lead. We were clearly on top and the better team, the defence were solid today, especially Joe Reed keeping their main threat under control. We were dominating however we were starting to worry that with half time approaching we would only have a 1-0 advantage to show for our good start… there was no need to worry. 2 goals in 2 minutes put Seymour 3-0 up 7 minutes before half time, the first was a cracking corner from Chillu, headed in by that man, Mr Joe Reed, 2 goals in 3 games for the centre back. Our third goal was a great finish by Henry after junior held off all 3 Warlingham defenders to release henry. Just as Vince and I were starting to prep our half time talk, up pops Junior to score a 4th, 1 minute before half time! This was one of my favourite goals I’ve seen us score this season, it started off in our own box where Johnny dispossessed their attacker for Joe (yes Joe again) to show fantastic composure to pass out from the back then within three passes we had made it into the opposition box where this time Henry repays Junior the favour by setting him up to score his first of the game.
Half time it was 4-0. We knew the second-half would be a hell of a lot different due to the change in wind conditions. We were not wrong and within 1 minute of the second-half starting we had conceded a goal. The second half was scrappy where we have to be honest and say we were not the better team however the damage was done in the first half and even after Warlingham’s second goal to make it 4-2 we still didn’t look like we were going to lose. Shout out to Anton who again didn’t have much to do but was there when called upon to make some great saves to keep us in the driving seat. We created more chances however failed to convert, a special mention to Jonny who ran from our own box through Warlingham’s whole team to put the ball across their 6 yard area only for Chillu to put it wide and Zain who rattled the cross bar from outside of the box with his first time shot.
The game ended 4-2 and was a testament to the teams fantastic first half performance.
Man of the match today could have been anyone today and is probably the hardest one we’ve had to give (just had to pause and think for about 10 minutes again!) but Jonny down the left played incredibly, from attacking runs to shutting out their attack. It’s just a shame that he couldn’t pick up an assist, isn’t it Chillu 👀.
From front to back we looked really strong today, one more game before the Christmas break next week against Beckenham.
Warlingham Colts 2- SVFC U17’s 4
Coaches Sam and Vince Melotta
A big thanks to all the parents who came down and supported, we very much appreciate it!