A rather strange set up to the first friendlies but some worthwhile action to set the ball rolling. A 3-1 reverse for the team that travelled to Hadley but by all accounts some signs of encouragement and little given away both ways for the far more important clash ahead.
For Dicko and myself it was a trip to Harold Wood and the smattering of supporters wouldn't have been disappointed by the entertainment on offer. The opposition always give us a good test and this was no exception, 2-0 down in a quarter of an hour and an early season wake up call to the lads as the home side started much the brighter. Didn't take an Einstein to work out the problems which before you say it was a stroke of luck, was pleased with how we took advice on board and sorted out the problems after that, knocking it around sweetly by the end and could have had 6 or 7 in the bank quite easily. Met the pre-match objectives, worked hard, got minutes under the belt, five goals was a little bit of an early season bonus but hopefully a sign of things to come.
Hopefully will learn as much from when things not going right as from when well on top after the break. Badly stretched first up through combination of ball watching and being sucked to the ball. Defended too deep and allowed a useful Harold Wood side to play through us, tracking nonexistent for the second goal and Clarkey every right to have a go at those in front of him.
Plenty of encouragement from the decisiveness of our response, didn't like looking second rate even in a friendly and showed some character in clawing things back. Level by the break and the introduction of Chas too much for the home defence to handle. Some constructive criticism for Ben O 'Brien at the interval but took it the right way and ran the show second half ,quality finish for the fourth goal as well so plenty for him to take out of the game.
Last word in the scoring stakes in the match to Richard Whiteman and a welcome return for a player who never gives less than 100%, linked up play well in a little cameo that should give Management something to think about as well as keeping more established strikers on their toes.
Final thanks to Steve Havers with an early push for Clubman of the Year and and a sterling effort with the flag and to Harold Wood FC for their warm welcome and hospitality on a sweltering afternoon.
Best wishes to all for the season ahead
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