vs
What a debut game for this club reserve team match reporter to have.
Boasting 7 players who have first team experience, a second place league
position and the fact that they had already beaten today’s opposition 3-2
earlier in the season this on paper looked like a 3 point banker. Unfortunately
football is played on grass not paper.
The line-up was Anthony Guyney, Tommy
Williams, John Dale, Antonio, Adam Godwell, Marc
Elston, Jamie Beer, Elliott , Matt Francis, Steve Barelli and Greg Andrews.
I have not seen the reserves play since the away game at Ash earlier in
the season and after 20 minutes it was plainly obvious that this was not the
same team. The fluid passing and movement that was the hallmark of the team had
been replaced by the long ball down the middle approach. This was typified by
the fact that it was the 23rd minute before Marc Elston on the wing
touched the ball!
The early chances fell to Leatherhead but it was no surprise when
The score remained 1 nil for 15 minutes or so and Leatherhead did create
some decent chances however the finishing was somewhat wayward. The long ball
out of defence was the cause of the second in the 40th minute when
it was returned straight away allowing
Two down at half time would have been manageable knowing the players who
were on the pitch however Leatherhead went into the break 3 down when, not for
time, Greg overplayed, lost possession and the Eastleigh players broke away to
score.
I’ve seen the reserves play badly in one half and then turn it around in
the second before so as the team’s lined up for the restart I was anticipating
a revival, maybe not to win but to at least put in a decent performance.
Less than 5 minutes in and Leatherhead were 4 down. I began to fear the
worst. Two minutes later a shot rebounded off the keeper and Leatherhead were 5
down.
The best passing move of the game between Marc and Elliott led to a fine
cross from Tommy Williams which resulted in Greg’s side-footed effort missing
the post by a matter of inches. This was more like what the reserves are more
than capable of.
Sadly it only inspired
Twenty minutes into the second and Leatherhead made a tactical switch, Marc Elston was brought in out of cold on the wing
to play down the middle. Leatherhead than began to make serious strides towards
the
Although things for a short time looked bright for the visitors it
didn’t stop the home side grabbing a sixth in the 81st minute.
Leatherhead then made their substitutions, Julian was brought on for
Steve Barelli and Josh was on for Jamie Beer.
Although 6 down, Leatherhead still managed to produce their best
attacking moves. A great run from Julian ended with a fine cutback to Greg
whose shot forced a great save from the home keeper.
A similar run and cut back from Marc Elston resulted in Josh hitting the
bar.
The last word however went to
So not a good return after a 190 mile round trip to the coast!
Not a great match for this reporter to start with.
The reserves have a final Tuesday night against
I have every confidence they can.
Ken Elston