Having entered the Premier division with a squad that contained a large element of young un-blooded players, we always knew there would be days when we would have to stand back and look at what went wrong and the lessons to be learnt.
Last Saturday was one of those days, or more accurately the first half of last week‘s game.
For 45 minutes, we were out thought, fought and played, with certain elements of our all round defensive play found sadly wanting. Initially we were slow out of the blocks, which allowed a good Blofield team to dominate and take a two goal lead in 15 minutes.
A period of relative stability followed and 2-0 at half time would have seen us still in with a chance. But, unfortunately, right on half time, we again defended poorly, failing to deal with a long ball thrown into our box, a deft header left Cuddy rounded and effectively the game was lost.
On reflection, Blofield had given us a lesson in desire, physical approach and movement. We stood humiliated, but had also contributed to our downfall by continually playing into their hands, by pumping long balls into the heart of their defence that had allowed Paul ‘Sizz‘ Warman to dominate play. Our midfield had got nowhere near close enough to place pressure on the ball, and our strikers had not pulled their defence about at all.
Then the second half...
Following a few words on what we were doing or not doing, a change of formation to 3- 4- 3 with the introduction of James Spurgeon and Browney, we pushed wide to exploit Blofield‘s lack of full backs. An objective set of winning the second half to restore some pride.
From the off, the whole approach was different, and we pulled ourselves back into the game when Franky converted a penalty, to put an end to the "penalty miss Jinx" (that in its self was a positive).
A couple of chances came and went before Blofield effectively won the game for a second time, when we were carved open down the left, and a ball driven across the six yard box was slotted in at the far post to make it 4-1.
However, we were not finished yet, as the spirit and pride asked for in the half time team talk continued. A quick change to personnel in the ‘engine room‘, with Downsey and Sol replacing BP and Barnsey saw us drive on to pull back goals through Browney and Marty Addison.
Blofield‘s smooth running steam engine started to over heat as the pressure rose and the newly arrived substitute saw his marching orders for a bad tackle, leaving his mark on Barry Allard‘s legs.
Two more chances came and went, Marty Addison crashed a header against the underside of the bar as we pushed the champions all the way, but alas we couldn‘t quite pull the game out of the fire, one that we had already lost twice!
An entertaining afternoon for all neutrals I would have thought, both on and off the pitch as the Blofield road show was in full swing.
From our point of view there were learning points, many learned quickly and put right on the day. The plusses - Second half objectives achieved, the penalty hoodoo behind us, Downsey proving he can do a job in midfield and Barnsey getting more minutes under his belt.
The defence with an average age of 22ish needs to improve, but for most, time is on their side.
So in summary a defeat but not without its positives as we learn more each week.