BLACK STRIPES STOP THE CAVALRY

CAVALRY PARK 2 MYS BLACK STRIPES 5

I had been told before this game (by one of their own coaches) that the Cavalry Park Maradona team had been struggling and were one of the weaker teams in this league. After ten minutes, I thought the wrong team must have turned up as the home team knocked the ball around with skill and confidence and left our boys chasing shadows.

Thankfully, they didn't create too many clear chances early on and we took the lead against the run of play when Scott blasted home from the edge of the box after running clear. He scored again with a composed finish and could have had a hat-trick but for an amazing triple save by the CP keeper. Jack was also blocked at close range, but we could easily have been pulled back if it hadn't been for some excellent saves by Cammy Brown, who is now playing regularly in goal.

We went in at half-time 2-0 up, which flattered us, but were pulled back when a striker went through on the right and slipped the ball home. Youngstars hit back quickly with a lovely goal. Scott controlled a goal kick superbly and laid the ball back for Lloyd, who played a neat pass through for Blair, who nipped in as the keeper came out to steer the ball into the corner.

Cavalry Park came back to 2-3 after a bit of sloppiness at the back, but we restored our two-goal lead with another flowing move as David nudged home Callum's cross. Scott's late goal to complete his hat-trick gave the scoreline a one-sided look but it is nice for once to report that we toughed it out and came through against the odds - rather than creating far more chances and losing by an odd goal.

Connor had an awesome second half, putting in some strong tackles and Jason had his usual solid game at the back. David, who played in several different positions, had an excellent match, with some powerful tackling but man of the match went to Cammy Brown for a brilliant performance in goal, which will have boosted both his confidence - and the confidence of the whole team playing in front of him.

Squad: Cammy Brown, David, Jason, Connor, Jack, Lloyd, Callum, Blair, Brandon (Seth injured - broken toe)

Scorers: Scott 3, Blair, David