Suburban Premier Division.
Walton & Hersham Reserves 3-1 Tring Athletic Reserves

Arriving at Walton & Hersham F.C was like looking into what Tring Athletic FC maybe in the medium term future. A top quality 3 g pitch with 2 other quality grass pitches,new Clubhouse and dressing rooms and ( something we won't have) parking for about 250 cars.

Our game was preceded by a local U 14 game and was no doubt followed by another game.

With up to 6 First team players not being available and the A team playing a double header to secure their League title, we travelled for the first time in my 5 seasons at our Club with only 13 players. This shortage of substitutes UNDOUBTEDLY cost us at least one point and arguably all 3.

With a change of shape we played a 4-3-1-2 and by playing from the back the idea was to let our full backs play balls into channels for the 2 centre forwards and the midfield join in from there although one or two were a bit slow to adjust to this method of playing. After coming to terms with the pace of the pitch we played some delightful football and were able to compete in all areas .

Neither side was looking particularly dangerous and it came as a surprise when a cross shot from some 25 yds resulted in our opponents taking a 25 min lead. We responded well and earned a penalty when Ryan McMahon was upended in the area for a spot kick which he confidently despatched.

This knocked some of the confidence from our opponents who although they had plenty of possession tended to move the ball too slowly allowing us to keep a good shape. On a couple of occasions we in turn passed the ball when a shot was on the cards but the half time scoreline was a fair reflection of the game.

For some reason in the early part of the second half we started forcing passes but as the game wore on we began to create half chances with some decent passing and moving . Unfortunately as Walton introduced a number of subs and picked up the pace we were unable to respond . With 10 mins left our opponents gained a penalty from a clumsy challenge but custodian Mark Richardson made a tremendous save and we scrambled the follow up clear.

With 5 mins left a well delivered corner resulted in our falling behind,we immediately switched to a 3 -4-3 to chase the equaliser but this resulted in a 3rd in the last minute.

The final scoreline was very harsh and it would be unfair for me to pick out a MOM as each and everyone played their part. Hopefully we will have a bigger squad to pick from on future weekend games.

M.Richardson, N.Holden,P.Bagatti,J.Byerley,M.Bulput (W.Bisney).
R.Hazel,R.McMahon,T.Paul G.Terblanche. J.Naylor, O.Ruttle(L.Gorman)

Tweet