4s vs Actonians Assoc. 5 26.09.15

The first of two trips to Acton was upon us to face a very strong Actonians Association 5s side. Having beaten the same opposition we draw with last week so convincingly by five goals to nothing in the first game of the season, we knew that this was going to be a very tough game.

We arrived in good time with the whole squad there at least 45 minutes before KO, a first! With help required at the back we welcomed Mike Todt into the squad from the 3s. An addition that we hope will be a regular as the season progresses. Another new addition was Jake Hewitt, a good friend of the Plumridges. Kevin Locke was also part of the squad as the result of the sixes fixture being postponed.

We started off brightly with some good passing play however a good counter attack allowed the hosts to take the lead. Not long after was it 2 – 0 when Sam was spotted too far to the left of his goal which allowed the same player that bagged the first to fire into the bottom right from about 25 yards. It was 3 – 0 going into the break, Chris Outred giving away a penalty for a handball that could not be prevented. An attempted header out from a low ball played into the box from the left that got caught underneath him. ‘Ronaldo’, as he was referred to by a number of us, converted neatly.

It was a little disappointing going in at half time three down, it was not what we deserves from the football that we were playing. A few changes were made at the break with Ryan coming off to be replaced by Jake. Arnold gave was for Kevin who slotted in alongside Mike at the back with Chris reverting to the left of midfiend.

The second period was nearly a carbon copy of the first. Everything that Acton attempted they seemed to pull off. It just wasn’t our day. Another five goals by the hosts (according to the SAL website even though I only counted seven) allowed them to run out convincing winners. Two goals from Dan Gridley, one of which was a great free-kick that the keeper could do nothing about, put a little gloss on our performance.

A lot of work needed before the next game to come up with the right formation that will enable us to have a decent chance of victory. HSBC visit Joseph Hood next weekend with three points needed.

FINAL SCORE: Actonians Association 5s 8 – 2 Merton 4s SCORER: Dan Gridley (2) MOTM: Dan Gridley

STARTING LINE-UP: Samuel Singer-Ripley (GK), John Gridley, Chris Outred, Mike Todt, Edward Plaistow, Ryan Burchell (Kevin Locke), Michael Elgar, Dan Gridley, Arnold Collier (Jake Hewitt), Dulanie Richards, Dom Plumridge