COWHC Men's 4s vs Chertsey Thames Valley Men's 2s - 04th February 2017

5 wins on the bounce, with the last 3 also being clean sheets, left the 4s at the summit (on goal difference) with games in hand. Mid week drama elsewhere in the league meant an annulment of one match, a walkover for a team near the bottom: all meaning the 4s came into the match 2 points clear with a game in hand. From this point, the M4s were in charge of their season.

1, 2, 3, 4, 5 wins... Could we make it 6 in a row against a team who humbled us 5-3 earlier on the season?

A serious looking 16, made even stronger by the absence of Scotty, were ready for what we all knew would be a big game.

A quick congratulations to the forementioned Scotty for his new job, invite checker on the door at children's parties.

The squad:

Ciaran, Max, Hamjam, Mike and Jonny G were tasked with holding the back line.

JP, Ross, Karl and Jon were given the midfield to control.q

Nelly, Ben, Killer and Jude knew to run their legs off.

Adam, Bob and Joe were on goalscoring duty.

Big shout out to Ken for umpring even though he penalised Joe for being rugby tackled to the floor though at least Joe didn't cry.

The game began on time and was a cagey affair from the get go. Both teams knew a loss would have severe repercussions for their promotion hopes and this reflected in the nervous play that dominated for the first 10. No one could get a stranglehold on the game leading it to be open and end to end, good for the neutral watching but not nice for those playing with a title on the line.

The question was... who was going to take the first chance that fell to them? The answer was Chertsey. Our recently impregnable defence were found wanting and were undone by a surprise arieal allowing their big man to nip in and dispatch a sound finish. 1 nil down with around 20 gone. One chance, one goal.

Conceding lifted the 4s and on they pressed to nab the equaliser. Short after short after short came as Chertsey buckled under the pressure of a rampant 4s hungry for revenge. However in 4s fashion, it was not simple and our chances were not converted. Ominously, they were awarded a short just before HT but we stood strong and ensured the deficit was kept to 1 nil.

Team talk was simple... keep going, we've been in worse situations and let's kill them and their families, leave no chances. ( Again copy and pasted but it is really is our
mantra and it worked!)

The 4s started the second half like a bullet train and on the hunt we went... a goal was needed and in 4s fashion... it is never normally straightforward...

But today it was and within 2 minutes, we had our equaliser in near identical circumstances to our first goal a week ago. A powerful effort from JP from a short corner came off the pad and fell to Joe for a straight forward tap. 1-1... game on.

The 4s had fire in their bellies and were to hot for Chertsey to handle...

Our second and the lead arrived less than 2 minutes later: JP again had a hit from a short but no need for Joe this week as the ball flew past their keeper. 2-1 to us!

For the next 15, we continued to batter their defences but we couldn't find the all important 3rd. Something which we'd come to regret.

The last ten was not pretty, and although we were dangerous on the counter, Chertsey slowly fought their way into the game. Only lifetime DoD Ciaran stood in their way and boy was he inspired. 2-1 he kept the scoreline with a series of low smart saves.

Sadly, we couldn't hold out and a blistering solo run from the oppo was dispatched with equal skill. 2 - 2 with minutes to go.

Chertsey sensed we were shell-shocked and tried for the killer blow but again found Ciaran who was in PoM form, with practically the last touch of the game he made a glorious save just past his post.

Full time, 2-2 and a result that keeps us top, 2 points clear with a game in hand. A fair result with neither team deserving to lose. The game proved that both teams are worthy of promotion, good luck to you and Guildford can go for a swim if they think they can ruin this party.

DOD= Ciaran because, well just because and Scotty for choosing to spend his afternoon with 4 year olds. Good luck passing your DBS check.

POM= Ciaran for stepping up... finally!

Next week, a humongous home tie against Guildford. 11.30 at Croydon High, please come and support if you can... it would be much appreciated.