After the disappointment of last week, we got back on track against our local rivals with three points, a clean sheet and in the second half, an excellent performance. The win gives us 10 points from our opening 5 fixtures and a sound platform for three tough away matches in eight days, starting at Woodbridge next Saturday.

After the events at Wivenhoe last Saturday, we simply had to improve and we demanded a reaction from the players. They had worked hard all week, doing the running on Monday and Tuesday that was conspicuous by its absence in Essex, as well as playing a number of 1v1's, 2v2's, 3v3's & 4v4's, which accentuates the importance of physical and mental toughness as there is no hiding place.

With two groups of players and collective punishments for individual losers, an edge and competitiveness was created that too few of our players possess. To the likes of Rory McAuley, Lewis Carr and Luke Berry it comes naturally and this shows in their consistently high performances and 100% commitment on match days.

This was even the case on Saturday in a tight and turgid first half. We again lacked quality in the full back and wide areas, whilst up front we looked innocuous, with few forward runs and little penetration. At times, especially when Luke Berry was off for treatment to a facial injury, it resembled Rory McAuley versus the rest!

With Adie Cambridge patrolling their midfield, it was another fantastic test for Rory and Luke, who had already faced Rob Nightingale and Jamie Barker in the corresponding away fixture. It would be fair to say that Adie now knows all about Rory and if, as reported, Cambridge United placed a bid for Adie in the summer then Rory once again demonstrated his credentials to make the step up into the first team this season. His strength, desire and growing maturity is totally vindicating our belief in his ability and our decision to keep him within our youth set-up for a further twelve months.

Our only two attempts of any note on goal in the opening 45 minutes came from a deflected free kick that struck the bar and a wayward left footed strike from Luke Berry, who wasn't able to sort out his feet in time to convert a Craig Bussens cross. At the other end, we defended their set plays and bar the odd self inflicted scare, we looked secure.

At half time we rattled a few cages, demanded more from certain individuals and made one change in personnel, with Brad Hunter replacing Adam Marriott. It was the toss of a coin as to which of these two started alongside 16 year old Jack Bailey and Adam did not make the most of his inclusion in the starting XI.

Both Brad's introduction and Jack's selection were vindicated within minutes of the second half. Jack beat his opponent on our right flank and delivered a tremendous cross which was met with a thunderous diving header by Brad Hunter at the near post which scorched the roof of the net. The goal noticeably lifted our players and the shackles seemed to be removed as we set about the visitors with more pace and conviction than we have showed all season.

Craig Bussens shot inches wide before Jack Bailey repeated his earlier wing play with an even more impressive run into the box. His driven ball across the six yard box was met with aplomb at the far post by Sam Ives to double our lead. Jack provided the threat in behind an opposing defence that we have been lacking all season and saw briefly when he changed the game at home against Kings Lynn Reserves. He has loads of potential, and whilst there is a huge amount of work required to his game, he also possesses the attitude and desire to apply himself and improve. They say that possession is nine tenths of the law, so Jack is in poll position to hold onto the No.9 shirt.

The whole team started to function as an attacking force in the second half. Sam Parkinson at last showed intent in everything he did and won headers, tackles and offered options going forward with overlapping runs and great support play. Sam Ives also showed why we rate him so highly but become so frustrated by his inability to translate his performances in training to matches. For both Sam's, this needs to be the starting point and not an isolated glimpse of their ability.

That statement is also true of others and will decide our fortunes this season. Can we maintain a relentless pursuit of individual and collective success or will we remain inconsistent? How many of our players have the mentality required to give them a chance of becoming a professional footballer? I will keep the answer to the last question within the four walls of our dressing room but the number is not sufficient for Nolan (Keeley) and I, especially within the ranks of our second year scholars. They need to understand that you cannot become a full-time footballer with a part-time attitude.

Team:
Beagle, Bowe, Parkinson, Howell, Carr, McAuley, Bussens, Berry, Bailey (Yambasu 70), Marriott (Hunter 45), Ives

Jez George