We finally returned to League action after a few weeks of rain with the visit of a much improved Elstead Sharks. We had beaten them by a large margin early in the season, but they had recruited 6 new players and had won 3 of their last 4 games.
The message given to the players in training, as well as pre-match, was to start quickly and not be at all complacent. Gratifyingly, in the first minutes, Ben C’s corner was converted by Dan to put the home team ahead. After more pressure and a mixture of profligacy in front of goal, and some fine goalkeeping, Owen’s long ball set Alex free to double the advantage on 18 minutes. Although Ashridge probed, the visitors defended manfully and clear-cut chances were few and far between.It was only in the 45th minute that the game was put to bed, when, with the keeper out of his goal, the ball came to Peter, who like a golfer on the fairway, chipped the ball into the middle of the net.
3-0 at half time.
The second half became a little bitty, and chances were few and far between, resulting in there being no more goals. However it is clear that Elstead will be a force to be reckoned with in the 2nd half of the season, and will be a formidable opponent to many of our rivals.
Reading Rangers’ 100% record finally fell with a goalless draw at Shinfield, and the strength of the League was emphasised by Laurel park beating the 4th placed team in Division 1 to advance to the semi final of the Cup.
20 January