Alexandra Park (a) 27/09/23

What was probably needed after a couple of losses to start the season was a short trip to Alexandra Palace to take on AP this weekend, a place where we have fared well in recent visits.

A more familiar look to the team with some returning players meant confidence was high to pick up some needed points. We started quite well dominating the ball, but unfortunately fell behind to a contentious penalty after 25 mins. The lads felt very aggrieved but it was important to forget it and clear the heads and press on for an equaliser. This duly came as a raking Ansell FK found a well timed run from James who managed to flick his header past the onrushing GK. 1-1 at HT.

The talk at HT was of playing with continued freedom as felt when we were getting the ball down we looked the stronger side, but also using our height advantage to dominate from set pieces. On cue, another teasing Ansell delivery 10 mins into the second half was not dealt with by the AP defender, popping up nicely for James to tuck in his second of the game from 6 yards out.

We managed to add another from ANOTHER set piece as again Ansell's delivery was met by James. His initial header was kept out by the GK but a persistent Ronan was on hand to bundle the ball over the line and give us a 3-1 lead. We were probably at fault with taking our foot off the gas at this point, but we went on to concede two sloppy goals in the last 10 minutes to unfortunately only come away with a point. Areas we will need to sharpen up on in the next few weeks.

A good performance nonetheless and certainly one to build on as we host Old Blues next weekend....