Competition: Four Leagues Trophy
Tuesday 10th March 2009 played @ Wootton Blue Cross FC

Befordshire League - 0
goalscorers - N/A
Northants Combination - 1
Goalscorers - Alex Deakin

After an excellent result in the National Cup last week the last thing we needed was a midweek away game. With 4 lads not being able to play due to injury and 3 lads not able to make the game due to work commitments the squad had numerous changes, all of which did themselves proud.

I was delighted to be able to name an unchanged back 5. They are solid and are playing with confidence and at times playing some great football from the back.

The first half saw us continue our momentum from last weeks win and we dominated. If it had not been for the Bedfordshire keeper we would have been 2 or 3 nil up at half time.

With the pitch not being at its best it was difficult to play the quick slick passing we are capable of and at times the game became very physical which we matched Bedfordshire man for man all over the park. Dave Barrick came on at half time to play alongside Greg Ling and he broke everything down allowing Greg, Stu & Luke to dominate the middle of the park. The excellent work rate of Sedge and Carl paid off with a penalty 20 minutes into the second half. I asked Sedge after to talk me through the penalty, to which he replied “great save wasn’t it.” To be fair it was, and their keeper was there best player.

Despite having several changes to the squad I was confident we could get something from the game so it was important the response after the penalty miss was positive. It was. We continued to play football when we could and hassle across the pitch. They could not cope with the urgency and desire my players showed.

A perfect cross from Greg Ling saw Alex Deakin rise like a salmon at the back post, yes Alex Deakin, to nod the ball home. I was delighted for Alex as his performances have been superb. We never looked like conceding and the lads saw the last 10 minutes out with great organisation from Aaron and the back 4.

The Bedfordshire Manager paid us a great compliment during and after the game, by commenting on what a good team we are. We have built a rapport on and off the pitch now which is a credit to every individual, and it is vital we continue this after the summer break to progress in the National Cup and 4 counties league.

The lads have earned a well deserved break now and we look forward to the draw of the National Cup in May.

The squad collectively has played a lot of football over the last 6 weeks so I would like to thank the respective clubs for their commitment to representative squad over recent weeks and I look forward to working with you all again next season.

Good luck to those who are in a title run-in and those in cup finals.

See you all soon.

Ben. 

Dave Jarrett Man Of The Match:
Greg Ling

Team: Aaron Evans (Kislingbury), Ian Boon (Harpole), Alex Deakin (Harpole),  Adam Knight (Brixworth All Saints), Stuart Clarke (Harpole), Joe Judge (Ranelagh), Carl Barrick (Harpole), Jason Crawley (Wollaston Victoria), Greg Ling (Kislingbury), Luke Chalmers (Harpole), Tom Liversedge (Harpole), David Woods (Wollaston Victoria), Dave Barrick (Harpole), Henry Wright (Brixworth All Saints)