Hook, line and stinker.

We came up against a team in good form on Sunday, much as we have been.

There wasn't ever going to be a lot between the two teams and to be honest I still don't think there is.

In my mind the toss was a massive factor in this game, and we lost it and possibly the game with it.

I'm not suggesting for a minute that Hook didn't deserve to win as they did, but I do feel there were mitigating circumstances, which led to our downfall.

It was a horrible day, in fact so bad that the away game had been called off and I'd hassled the club to find us a spot, and a ref.
Maybe it was a day to have off, but hindsight is a wonderful thing, I think next time I'll accept the lie in.

Unusually, things were a little disjointed prior to kick off, I was late so we didn't have our changing room meeting, and unfortunately it also meant another rule was enforced. Luca had to go on the bench as he turned up late with me, and we lost Reece two hours before kick off.

Until Sunday we've had a 100% attendance record and I understand how difficult it is to get family life to fit in around football especially later kick offs, so well done to all.

I don't think either of the above affected the game. We started pretty well, and the aim against that hostile wind was to get to half time with a game on. Fifteen minutes in and we'd had possibly the better chances when disaster struck, we basically did everything in our power to get them a goal. No finger pointing, more a collective effort, but a goal down all the same, and swiftly followed up by a fantastic header from a corner which the wind had a hand in getting.

Suddenly this was a daunting task and we looked stunned to be honest as Hook helped them selves to another from another corner.

3 goals in quick succession seemed to put us to the sword and we didn't really react at all.

At half time we spoke about getting back quickly, but Hook were ready for that and gave as good as they got, In fact increasing their lead 10 minutes in.

Andy scored from over 50 yards shortly after and we had some decent attacks coming from Yusuf generally, but good goalkeeping and our inability to stay onside kept us way short of the lead they'd set us.

I think it shows we've come a long way, as there has been a sense of disappointment, but these things happen, and it's the reaction that counts. I know the boys well enough to know the performance will be better.

If we can tackle, pass, shoot, run and head better, we'll all be asking for an encore.

In all seriousness, it was an awful morning on a bobbly pitch and we struggled to play good football. We didn't have many saves to make to be honest so we weren't battered but we didn't do enough to make them defend.

I think we resorted to just whacking it far too often, when we've done so much work on passing and receiving I think it was where we lacked most courage, to keep the ball and try to play. One or two kept going with it, but thats just how they play, some have learned better but chose not to.

Man of the match goes to James Levy.

Starting in a new position, it's not an easy place to just pick up, centre midfield takes some getting used to, and I think James earned another crack.
And all done with the biggest smile in Middlesex, possibly the only one on show last Sunday as the matinee ended.