Confidence grows with another victory.

On a cold wet Sunday morning, we arrived at Matthew Arnold school.

A little disjointed, with some players unusually late, our top scorer ill and looking a little shaky, however a happy mood was in the air as a macdonalds run was being planned by our super fit supporters.

We warmed up on a pitch almost alone, as the Halliford boys rolled in what seemed like minutes before kick off, whilst the goals were being put together.

I felt in the first half that we weren't really at it in the way we try to be.

Slow into the tackle in too many areas, however we still had an equal part in the game as Halliford who started surprisingly brightly considering the way they'd drifted in before the game.

Our passing was ineffective, more down to the lack of options being offered in forward areas, however we stuck at it.

During the first 15 minutes, both teams had chances, but nothing to really worry the goal keepers too much, with defences coming out on top.

That was until Luca picked the ball up in midfield, looked up spotted Asa's run and placed it perfectly in his path for Asa to round the keeper and score the opener.

If I'm honest, the game up to that point didn't deserve that goal but it was the start of things to come. We picked up from there.

The game generally swung in our favour but Halliford were always dangerous on the break, which is where Andy, Aiden and Elliott came in. All three had excellent games again, and had to.

We gave away a soft penalty towards the end of the first half.
Shoulder to shoulder, but our boy being stronger, the ref pointed to the spot. I have to say you couldn't argue that Halliford deserved to be level, but this was no penalty like Kompany just gave away to Arsenal as I write.

This was shoulder to shoulder, both running in the same direction. Which for a ref that didn't mind watching hands in the back for multiple headers, or their number 2 grappeling throughout the game pointlessly, I'm surprised he gave it.

The half ended with their goalkeeper taking a goal kick straight to our striker on the edge of their box and the ref blowing for half time before he could shoot. He didn't have the best of halves it has to be said, but then nor did we.

We spoke at half time about our passing. The importance of options, and first touch, and it was in full effect straight away in the second half.

After 5 minutes we opened Halliford up brilliantly, sent Asa away and in the act of rounding the keeper to roll into the lino's son's goal, the lino's flag went up. Some 40 yards after the ball had been rec'd. A poor decision by any standards, but one which seemed to be in keeping with how the game had been officiated.

Deservedly, we took the lead some minutes later when Asa added to his tally and go to double figures for the season, tucking away a second ball close to the keeper after good build up play.

We made changes as the game went on looking for the blend of defence and attack, the boys were sharper in the tackle, quicker in possession.

I keep trying to get across to the boys, they have to make things happen when they are on the pitch, don't leave it for someone else to do the hard work, as its a team effort from the whole squad, and we have boys on the bench who want to prove a point. Take your chance to shine.

We'll have better days than this however there were some excellent performances.

I'll point out Shay, who made some brilliant stops 1v1, Asa as our best offensive player no doubt, but man of the match goes to Elliott, who played magnificently, in a good back 3.

Games are won in all positions, today our defence was triumphant.