Summary
Another disappointing result that does not do justice to the performance. However, when you fail to take chances, you run the risk of something else going wrong and we were eventually undone by a harsh penalty. It was an entertaining game with both teams having chances. We should really have taken some of ours. Instead, with Hollingbourne similarly failing to convert, the game looked to be petering out to a goalless draw. That was until the 82nd minute and the penalty award for the visitors who took advantage and all three points. Overall, our players gave a more committed and organised performance especially at the back. But we are still lacking composure in front of goal, which is making it difficult for the whole team.

Match Highlights
6 mins – Jack Hughes tiptoes his way to the by-line and smashes the ball across the face of the goal. Dan D’Rosario chases but can’t reach it on the far post
8 mins – A lack of communication; a simple through ball to deal with; Matt George nods back towards his goalkeeper but Brad is already rushing and sees the ball go past him and, fortunately, also just past our post
12 mins – Nothing much to report except a couple of long range freekicks from Matt G, that fly easily into their keeper’s arms
19 mins – Matt G again involved with a header from Dan’s corner, but there’s no real conviction
20 mins – Hollingbourne are through on goal but Harley Hines makes a fantastic recovery. He is exceptionally quick and makes an important last ditch clearance
26 mins – Matt G curls in a freekick, which Jack Hine heads wide
27 mins – A long range clearance by a defender from inside own half, heads towards goal. Brad sees the danger, back pedals and tips over superbly
29 mins – Hollingbourne miss from 6 yards, when we fail to clear a corner properly. It’s a let off!
31 mins – Sam Royden-Ryell hits a tame shot, easily saved
Half time 0 – 0
45 mins – SUBSTITUTION. Charlie Caine on. Dan D’Rosario off. Jack Hughes drops back to left midfield so Charlie can play up front alongside Sam
48 mins – We start the second half with more purpose and are on the attack immediately. Connaire Rees volleys over from inside the penalty area
52 mins – Still pressing. Jack Hughes crosses. Charlie flicks on but nobody else is there
57 mins – The excellent Tom Whiting slides Connaire in for another volley over bar
59 mins – Matt G drags another shot way wide
70 mins – SUBSTITUTION. Andrew Skivington on (left midfield). Sam Royden-Ryell off. Hughes back up front
78 mins – Charlie is through 1-on-1 and attempts to chip goalie from edge of box but puts too much on it. The ball sails over the bar when Charlie had more time to steady himself
82 mins – GOAL. Matt G harshly adjudged to have handled inside penalty area. Hollingbourne convert to take lead
85 mins – From a corner at the opposite end, a Hollingbourne looks to have controlled the ball with his arm but the Referee turns away our appeals for a penalty
88 mins – More or less our last chance goes as Connaire heads a Matt G corner over the bar

Man of the Match: Brad Lonergan
Brad has played well in all of the previous games and does not deserve to have conceded so many goals. He was exceptional today, making some excellent saves as well as being quick off his line in several 1-on-1 situations. His alertness to back pedal and tip over a freak long-range clearance that was heading goalwards, shows what an important player he is.