Scholars Hit Histon for Six
Following a very disappointing display on Saturday (2-1 defeat at home to King's Lynn Reserves), this performance was more like it.
Whilst we were boosted by the addition of Rory McAuley, Sam Ives and Jordan Patrick to the starting line up, the win had as much to do with the improved work rate and application of our second year scholars.
The scoreline is not a fair reflection on the first 70 minutes, which was very competitive and there were one or two pivotal moments when a goal for the home side could have changed the complexion of the game. That said, we carried a threat all evening and with the pace of 'JP' and Jonathan 'JT' Thorpe, plus the drive of Luke Berry and Sam Ives, Histon found it difficult to handle us going forward.
We were a little fortunate to weather the early storm without conceding and took the lead against the run of play courtesy of a deft flick by Blaine Hudson from Owen Kessack's inswinging free kick.
Goals change games and after our indifferent start to the season, performance- and results-wise, you could see the galvanising effect on the team of an early lead. We started to play with an authority and composure on the ball that has been lacking and Luke Berry twice had the opportunity to add the finishing touch to flowing moves, hitting the base of the post and firing over with a close range left foot volley.
A second goal looked inevitable and duly arrived following some fine approach play by JT and an adept finish by Jack Bailey past the onrushing keeper.
The result could have been put to bed before the interval but Luke Berry was denied by a fine reflex save, following a fantastic delivery from a wide free kick by Jack Eades. We only needed to talk about a few details at half time but we showed a worrying lack of professionalism and concentration in the opening stages of the second half which could have let our hosts back into the contest.
Against a team with the methodology of Histon you must clear the ball properly and keep it on the pitch, prevent crosses into your box, defend set plays and react to second balls. If you allow them to exert and sustain pressure, they will capitalise on errors. That is their simple but effective game plan.
We were not punished for a drop in our standards but reminded the players afterwards not to be fooled by the score because if Histon had halved their arrears during this spell, it could have been a different game.
Our third goal took the wind out of their sails. A well worked training ground routine from a free kick freed up Luke Berry and he was brought down in the box. Luke picked himself up to convert the spot kick.
With our tails up and Histon tiring, spaces appeared everywhere and we ran riot. Jack Bailey (above) nodded in from close range following an excellent move and a clever chip from Sam Ives, having rounded their keeper, before our two Jacks, Eades & Bailey, combined for a picture book goal.
Jack Eades delivered a superb early cross and Jack Bailey rose to head into the far top corner from 12 yards out. These two are a real enigma. We know they both have qualities but they fail to apply themselves properly to perform at a level that can make them successful.
Jack Eades could be an effective wide player and last night showed his passing and crossing ability. Jack Bailey could be an effective centre forward and last night posed a goal threat and gave us a physical presence. 6ft 3ins centre forwards that score goals don't grow on trees. In both cases though, it was their work rate, application and physical commitment that gave them a foundation to perform.
Both still showed technical deficiencies, which we would expect as they are not used to working at such a tempo. Their challenge is now to maintain these standards to put their game into an area where they can improve and give themselves a chance of earning a professional contract. If yesterday was a one off, they have no chance.
Another player that can take credit for an improved display is Owen Kessack. He demonstrated a mental and physical toughness that has not always been evident but again, if he shows it consistently, he will give himself a chance.
It was fitting that Luke Berry completed the scoring as he produced an outstanding performance and was instrumental in all our best moments. It was great to see Luke and Sam Ives dominate in midfield against two players with so many Conference matches between them - Ben Farrell & John Kennedy.
Our other two "experienced" players - 18 year old Jordan Patrick and 19 year old Rory McAuley, also showed their qualities, with Rory defending well all night and showing excellent athleticism driving forward whilst JP gave us a cutting edge on the left with his blistering pace.
However, the player to take most credit was our youngest; 16 year old Jonathan Thorpe, who no-one watching will believe is a right back not centre forward. We played him up front for two reasons. Firstly, with Maz out injured, we felt he would give us a greater threat in behind than our other options,and secondly because his qualities lend themselves more naturally to an attacking role.
Jonathan is welcomed to the club by Jez earlier this summer
He has a good touch, is quick, dribbles well, has good spring, competes physically and has a tremendous attitude and desire to succeed. He is a real talent and Leicester City's loss will be our gain.
The players set standards last night that they must maintain if they want to achieve their individual aims. When we work hard and apply ourselves properly, we perform well. When we perform well, the result will look after itself. It's not rocket science but it is a lesson that we must not learn the hard way again because as our performance and the result against Kings Lynn Reserves proved, the opposite is also true.
Team:
Davies, McAuley, Kessack, Carr, Hudson, Ives, Eades, Berry, Bailey, Thorpe, Patrick
Jez George
