STREET-WISE ARDLEY COMPLETE THE DOUBLE

The last time I watched our lads was earlier in March versus New Salamis. Ralphs report on that game read that we lost to a tough, experienced outfit who knew how to manage the game. Well, deja vue.

Ardley impressed with their organisation, their experience and their way of dealing with difficult situations and also their front-runners constantly stretched us at the back. They were good value for their win.

In all honesty, in the first half we were poor and hardly had a shot of any note. By contrast, Ardley were positive and energetic. They went in two goals to the good, although we should record that their second goal, converted by an unmarked player from a curling free kick, was conceded whilst Harry Seabrook was recovering on the bench from a head collision because, probably, he would have dealt with that situation. The absence of Butler and Mannion up front was hurting us.

Our second half performance was so much better, so credit to the players for responding and to the management for their effective team talk. We forced their keeper into several fine saves during this period and were back in the game when Ronan Hutchins converted from the spot. It was game-on.

Ultimately, the defining moment came on 75 minutes with Jake Alleys sending off from a rash challenge from that point, the task was beyond us.

Talented as our young team are, there is no substitute for experience and nous. To challenge at this level, teams need to have a combination of youthful exuberance and mature composure and, as our minds already turn to next season and a real push for trophies, bring it on!

Team: Jake Alley, Elijah Hearn, Harrison Cornick, Harry Seabrook, Jack Stevens, Adam Sawyer, Leo Farruch, George Carbery, Charlie Miller, Godlove Oppong, Ronan Hutchins,

Playing Subs: Luke Peerless, Frankie Hercules, Matt Ellis.

Crowd: 83

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