SCR (H)

[Red army]

2024 wrapped up with another hard fought win. Quick turnaround from the away game at Harrow. Surprised there was only one change in the starting line up, Nasha in for Martin.

Struggled to get going all half, understandable from a game 48hrs earlier. Both sides created very little in terms of chances. Amos Nasha firing over the bar from 25yds. SCR only really looked threatening when we gave up possession in poor areas of the pitch. James Comley on a few occasions the main culprit. Free kick from the left from Herson Alves, found Amos Nasha rising highest at the back post Kepler palming into the air from under his own cross bar. SCR no7 on their left causing us a few problems cutting inside on to his right foot. Few times we got into advanced positions but lack of quality in the final third not producing any real opening. Ht 0-0

Second half much the way of the first, no real tempo to the game and struggling to break down a disciplined rear guard. Longer the game went SCR gained in confidence with a few forays forward. Cross from their left spilled by Juliusz and forced wide on the rebound. Long range effort comfortably wide. Introducing Clifton gave us more physical presence up front and we started to test the centre defenders who had been comfortable for most of the afternoon. Wasn’t till the last 5 minutes that we actually looked like scoring. Free kick from Herson Alves to edge of the box, was as poor as the resulting clearance, that went backwards fortunately into the path of Clifton on the edge of the box, turn and shot left footed dragged past the keeper into the far corner. Clifton once again involved holding the ball up and bringing Bangura into play wide on the left, his cross finds the big man to slot home, but officials flag raised to dampen the celebrations. Injury time now Clifton on the byline crosses to Bangura his strike crashing back of the post. FT 1-0

Mom Adrian Clifton only played 30mins but I feel he changed the shape of the game, without his introduction, would have been another poor result against a team struggling at the wrong end of the table.

9 points from a possible 21 in December is a poor return? Playing sides at the lower end of the table, was hoping for more, thankfully every team capable of beating each other at present. Games in hand run out pretty sharply, but still on the fringes of the playoffs, so see what the next few months has in store for us.
Don’t think we have clicked as a team in performances for the first half of the season. Maybe that will change going into the new year?

COYH

[PSG55]

Would agree on Clifton getting the MOTM for this one. Came on and changed the game, as you say Red army. Did well to turn and get the shot away and made what was pretty much 90mins of a war of attrition all worthwhile.

Really wasn't a good game of football but, as has been alluded to, it was 48hrs after the Harrow game and with a few injuries etc too. A win is all that really matters and the players and staff duly delivered.

I saw three games while over this Christmas - Met Police (A), Harrow (A), SCR (H). I have to say, I didn't see much "football" played in those games but the Christmas period is often grueling. I will reserve judgement for later in the season. Another late win against Southall yesterday too I see - that'll do nicely. Back into the playoffs as it stands, but we have now played more games than many sides around us, so we're relying on other results. Hopefully we can get a few players back from injury and also the new guys come good too.

#YouAyes