After a brilliant Reaction vs Stedham last week it was only right the TD boys were reminded it would have been a futile effort if they didn't follow it up against Billinghurst reserves.
With only two changes to the starting 11 the team finally had some continuity, Ryan Herbert in for the Dublin bound Harry Charman and reserves top goal getter came in for the ill Gary pritchard. The first 20 mins TD looked nervous and were not following on from last week ,loose passes , not winning second balls and generally lacking a bit of calmness. Truelove made it clear standards were lacking and the boys started to respond. TD got a grip of the game, Fran commanding everything, Younis playing great quick passing football. Mario running the back line ragged, Billingshurst number 3 was gasping like a fish out of water trying to keep up. With Senra pushing to a more advanced position and Murphy holding it all together TD had pinned Billingshurst back. It looked as it would only be a matter of time before TD scored. Billingshurst reduced to long ball breaks looking for the walking piece of facial art Nash. As it turned out, a poor decision whilst last man allowed Billinghurst old timer Nick Tilly to pinch the ball and score his one on one. The Billinghurst Gaffer shouting we didn't deserve that boys lets get after it now. Within 2 mins it looked as though billy were through again as the TD boys just switched off, a mixture of great goal keeping , last min defending and a shambolic piece of shooting TD got away with it. HT 1-0 Billinghurst.
Two changes at half time Sean O'kane coming into the back line to calm things down, so chilled after not conceding second half. said he was bored it was so easy. the other was Jamal for younis , Younis not mobile enough and clearly still carrying a knock meant we lacked a little intensity off the ball, Which Jamal brought in bundles. A reminder from the gaffer to remain patient and continue what we know works and a couple of tweaks tactically meant Crocker got his 2nd in two games on 50 mins ,1-1 and the TD boys visibly relaxed. The TD boys had full control and peppered the billinghurst goal. Both Freddies showing age is just a number as the 16 and 17 year old were bullying the oppo. Jamal was playing exceptionally well ,through balls kevin de bryne would be happy with, as runners Crocker,Wardy,Mazza,Leon took turns harassing billinghurst. From a corner Fran hit a bullet header only to be stopped by the billy keeper who was exceptional ,which allowed Mario to tap in a poachers goal. Freddie Flanningan notched a third with an exquisite finish only to be denied by the billy lino, VERY SUSPECT, Billy did go close a couple of times as they threw men forward , However Ryan was not allowing the billy keeper to get all the praise. 90 mins gone and a freekick awarded TD meant big Fran stepped up and dually dispatched with real class and got the goal and mom he deserved
FT 1-3.
a hard fought game that TD deserved to win and could have been more.

Gaffer said ."shaky start but we got it back. that's our level now onwards and upwards , blue and yellow away to South water it is"

MOM Francisco