FA Trophy Disappointment

Hi All,

Sorry to report in on our dismal exit from this year’s FA Trophy at the hands of Tilbury.

After a great victory away in the previous round we should have been upbeat about the next round.

Tilbury are on great run at the moment but all said and done are still playing at the same level as ourselves, so we should have had an evenly fought contest ahead.

This “Contest” never really got going from our perspective. We conceded a penalty after a minute which put them on the front foot and us behind. With the weather conditions favouring them first half we kept trying but too little quality was shown from us going forward! The pitch was heavy but the same for both teams. They seemed to deal with it a lot better than we did.

A second Tilbury goal went in and backs were right against the wall for us. 2-0. If we could hold on until half time we may be alright with the wind with us in the second period.

We then got a goal back via “Towns” following in a shot to make it 2-1.

Even better. Only a one goal down with two minutes left to half time.

I was desperate to go in on that score line and was in the process of reverting to a 4-5-1 formation to retain it when a very “Soft” cross came in from their right hand side. Now Ron Yates who I think is a very accomplished goalkeeper came to collect. 99 times out of 100 he catches it cleanly but this time he lets the ball squirm under his body and we find ourselves 3-1 down.

Second half we have mostly everything going for us so a brisk talk and get the lads back out there looking to overcome the 2 goal deficit.

We huffed and puffed but never really hurt a resolute Tilbury team who put themselves further ahead midway through the half. We changed things, both with the formation and personnel. But other than a last minute Erkan Okay goal we were beaten. They deserved the victory in my opinion. We were second best in most areas and never really got ourselves in a position to compete in the tie.

I feel we need to learn from this experience and come back stronger.

Teams are going to “Roughen” us up or “intimidate” us and we need to stand up and be counted. Not get sent off or retaliate but compete fairly and controlled.

We are a very good team on our day but with winter coming up and pitches getting worse, we need to find a way forward that keeps us playing flowing fast football at the same time not shoot ourselves in the foot and let teams score from our over play!!

Back to the league on Saturday with a visit to Leighton Town Fc.

Most of the League games went our way this weekend so to get back to winning ways is vital!

Cheers,
SC