Match day 4 and first Home game of the season against Cogan Blues.

A windy morning on Pitch 4 and an opposition who were joint top of the league with us, so a real test. First half starts with us playing against the wind so our long balls from the keeper were struggling to get anywhere near the midfield as the wind was blowing the ball back. Cogan used their strong players in midfield and on the wings, using their long throw ins to good effect. From a long throw in to their playmaker (no18), they created space in the middle and slotted home to the far side of Leo in goal, 0 1 to Cogan inside 6 mins. We struggled in the first half not chasing the first ball, waiting for passes, and not tracking back. But we dug in and made them work hard, a really hard battle for the first half, 0 1 to them at half time, and a real team effort.

Team talk at half time to put them under pressure on the ball and start pressing more using the wind with us and our fitness to challenge them and get them to do all the running. And that’s what we did, some good substitutions for fresh legs and pushed Tristan up front to give George a rest. Started well and showing Cogan we won’t back down and meet them head on. Very positive start and some good defensive midfield play in front of back line by Josh. Stopping their creative players at every turn. Fitness levels showing we are starting to have a real midfield battle and some great football being played by both teams. We were awarded a free kick from outside the box and Idris stepped up to take it, a lovely ball lofted in towards the goal and Tristan there to pounce and strike the ball into the net. Crowd roars, get in 1 1.

Sully stamping their mark in the game, and an even contest, with some great football. Billy had a great game defensively and Max on the left back against a player twice his size. He made decisive tackles and showed no fear and received studs raked down his knee and leg, he quickly picked himself up and within minutes played another great tackle and clearance. Luca played from box to box and racked up his steps for the day, chasing everything in the second half. George back up front and pressing with fresh legs and Tristo dropping back to track their no 11 Freddie who was strong and fast and involved in a lot of their play. The last 20 minutes was a great battle end to end and the teamwork showed by Sully to stand together and believe in one another, this was evident for all to see.

Full time 1 1 and both teams still joint top of the league.

Today was our major test to see how much we have progressed and come together as a team. A benchmark for the boys to see that we are a good team and to now have that belief, we can match any team in this league and others will have been keeping a close eye on today’s score.
Second half’s in games and fitness are working well for us, never giving up until the final whistle. As coaches we are immensely proud of the work rate of every player today. We definitely made our mark and showed why we deserve to be joint top of the league. We can do great things this season and have both the league and cup to play for. I honestly do believe we will be there or there abouts at the end of the season.

Next game away to Llantwit Yellows on Tuesday, rest up, recover and let’s go again on Tuesday.
Coach Gaz