Kings Lynn 2 CRC 6
For once a scoreline reflects our performance and the quality of our forward play. Craig Bussens was the pick of our players but it was a really dominant team performance which inspired us to a third consecutive win for the first time this season.
Bussy really is on fire at the moment. He is now adding variety to his direct wing play so that as well as beating defenders on the outside with his pace and dribbling ability to deliver crosses, he is also posing a threat by coming inside on his left foot to shoot or play into the front men. Greg Lake, the poor full back assigned the task of marking him, will have nightmares and vouch for the fact that in his own style, Bussy is just as exciting a talent as Robbie Willmott.
The opening twenty minutes saw us on the front foot and really taking the game to our hosts. Apart from lacking good movement in the box to convert the endless number of crosses, it was one of our best starts to a match this season. Lewis Carr set the tone at the back, looking strong and assured, whilst the two Sam's in midfield (Cutler and Ives) ran the show. Our dominance paid off with a classic goal when the aforementioned Bussens broke down our right, cut inside and curled a sweet left footed strike into the far corner.
A failing of this group, and one we keep trying to address, is that in the absence of pressure, they take their foot off the gas. It is something we looked at after our defeat at Leiston where we identified that display and the three previous matches (Mildenhall, Stanway and Swaffham) as ones that we had not performed anywhere close to our capabilities. It was almost as if without the pressure of needing results (we were in a comfortable league position with no chance of relegation) we had lost the vital edge to our play. As a result, very good players were looking not only average but lacking in energy, enthusiasm and desire
We tried to change the mindset by asking the players to challenge themselves to a points target for the final thirteen games but letting them keep that figure to themselves. The three wins, gained from excellent performances, since suggest that we have re-gained our collective focus. With the second year scholars becoming anxious about decisions regarding professional contracts, which will be made by the Gaffer in the coming weeks, it is important to keep emphasising the need to perform well as a group in order to shine individually.
I mention this process because last Wednesday this weakness was again highlighted as dominance turned into complacency and a lead into a deficit. Having taken the game by the scruff of the neck from the outset, we did not build on our opening goal but instead allowed our hosts back into the contest. Granted both of their goals came from great strikes outside the box but the individuals concerned in conceding possession know the real cause and our defending in both cases was really disappointing. So unbelievably we actually trailed the home side at the interval.
There were harsh words in the sanctuary of the dressing room and without exception the players took the criticism squarely on the chin, reacting superbly.
We showed in the second half what should have happened in the opening 45 minutes, scoring five goals without reply, with Bussy also striking the post and warming the fingers of the home keeper with another rasping drive.
Talking of which, that is exactly how you would describe Sam Cutler's equaliser, just three minutes after the restart. His 25 yard strike nestled in the top corner for a real picture book goal.
A great touch and turn in one movement from Brad Hunter won a stonewall penalty for us to take the lead, which was confidently dispatched by Piers Wixon, before Brad Hunter himself made it four in four starts with a close range header.
Rory McAuley added a volley for our fifth before the scoring was rounded off by another Wixon spot kick, after the flying Jordan Patrick had been upended in full flight.
When the players realise just how good they can be in this league and how teams fear our pace and movement it is a sight for sore eyes. We just need to add consistency over a long period of matches, but the last three performances have been an indication of the massive strides we have made over eighteen months. Pleasingly, first year scholars such as Zac Costello, Adam Marriott, Sam Ives, Jordan Patrick and Brad Hunter, who will form the backbone of the team next season, have been an integral part of these winning displays.
We now have a weekend away in France for a tournament before returning to league action on Wednesday evening (26th March) at the Abbey Stadium against leaders Soham Town Rangers. In fact our next four fixtures pit us against opponents from the top five (Dereham, Needham Market & Mildenhall follow) which will really be a measure of our progress and could have a big say in the destination of the title.
Team: Beagle, McAuley, Kirby, Carr, Bowe, Cutler, Bussens, Ives, Wixon, Hunter (Paterson 85), Patrick (Marriott 75)
Jez George
