Our Tough run of fixtures continued today with a double header against League Cup Finalists Willingdon.

Both games last season were tight affairs and today was going to be no different. Our boys were playing well but after last weeks loss, they needed a boost and to continue playing well.

A late kick off with a 15:30 start for the first game gave the boys a chance to get ready and get a quick start.

Starting line up for this match we went with a similar line up to last weeks - Oliver in net, Ethan, Toby, Cam & Dean in the defence. Stan, Jack and Sam made up the midfield while Harley, Kieron and Stephen were our front line. Our bench was strong again with options across the pitch - Lewis G, Lewis B, Charlie and Freddie O.

Both Teams started fast looking to gain the upper hand & figure out how the other team were set up. We noticed a few things and adapted our game to work around it and while Willingdon gained the upper hand early on, getting a few shots away, we grew into the game and started to create a few chances.

Our Boys were working hard across the pitch and the first half was flying by, Not many clear cut chances for either team but it was a good battle across the pitch. We came close through Harley after some good work from Dean and Stephen set him free down the right hand side, With the keeper getting a foot to his shot. Kieron came close not long after with another piece of great footwork before sending a shot towards goal forcing the keeper to parry it away. Willingdon came close with a few balls over the top and their dangerman number 11 got on the end and sent a few shots wide before one right at Oliver.

HT - Willingdon - 0 - TD - 0

At the half, the boys were positive and wanted to continue the pressure into the second half and get a result in this game. Nige made a few changes with Stephen, Stan, Ethan and Harley made way for Freddie, Lewis G, Lewis B and Charlie. The boys wanted to get a fast start to the second half and push.

Willingdon flew out of the blocks and just after 2 minutes their Midfield won the ball and played it into their no11 who had our defence backing off, He hit a shot off the back of Toby and with the bounce falling back at his feet, lined it up and hit a great shot into the bottom corner for 0-1.

It became a tight affair from here with Willingdon looking to defend the lead and TD having to push forward for the equaliser. Lewis G came closest with some brilliant footwork on the edge of the box, dancing between several challenges before hitting a shot that looped up into the keepers hands.

Stephen and Sam came back on after 20 minutes to push for the equaliser with Lewis B and Freddie making way. Kieron danced down the wing and put a ball across but the keeper got there just before Stephen and cleared it wide.

Sam was battling in the middle and working hard to get the team forward and was covering every blade of 3G, Linking well with Harley and Lewis G.

Ultimately the game got away from us and Toby, Cam, Charlie and Dean were keeping the chances to a minimum and Oliver was doing well sweeping up any long balls. Willingdon defended well and saw the last minutes out.

FT - Willingdon - 1 - TD - 0

A tough fought first game from both teams with neither wanting to lose it. A moment of class decided such a tight game but there was no time to dwell on it with the next game kicking off in 20 minutes.

MOTM- Sam R - A great first half and when he came back on, did his best to drive the team forward, worked his socks off and tried to get the boys back into it.