Totton & Eling vs M&T Jaguars – 20th Nov ’22

The pitch held up well from the overnight rain which allowed us to welcome Totton and Eling to the rec.

As expected, the start was really close with both sides knocking the ball around well.
Eddie, William and Thomas were working well together as a mini defensive team at the back. This was essential as totton were playing 2 upfront.

It was also important that the wing backs covered fast on transition. James and Theo did this well.
Theo had quite a few chances to open his legs up and fly down that left wing gaining vital territory for his team.

We knew this was going to be a really tight game and at the start we said we had to be ruthless in front of goal and take our chances as there wouldn’t be many.

Mally did just that when he latched onto a back pass that left the keeper a bit short. He looked like he had been pushed too far wide but mally pulled off a cracking finish from that angle to put the marsh 1.0 up.

4 players came on 1/4 way through. I was worried that this would upset our rhythm but thankfully the players coming on all contributed well. Riley thrived in a physical tussle, Ollie looked back to his best as he protected his defence well, reading the game and being in the right place every time.
Harry’s pace kept up the same pressure that mally had been putting and Aidan brought even more energy.

James was controlling midfield well and his pass success rate must have been near 90%.

Harrison looked really solid in goal. His kicking was good and his handling was impeccable in tough, slippy conditions.

Half time

Jaguars 1-0 Totton and Eling

We knew Totton would come at us even harder in the second half and they did. Again, they played some neat football with quick passing to avoid our press. Eddie, William and Theo were very busy at the back but stood up really well.

The game got more and more physical as both teams really wanted a result. Some really good, hard tackles on a surface perfect for the slide tackle.
Occasionally we let ourselves down with unnecessary comments. We need to remain focused and strong minded, focusing on our own game.

We gave ourselves a bit of a cushion to hold on to when James caught the keeper out with a quick shot at his near post to put us 2.0 up.

It was now time for Glyn to shine as he battled like a Spartan in midfield. He took many hard tackles but got up after everyone and carried his team forward. I felt like he should have been wearing armour and a red cape.

With Harry’s pace Up front we would always be a threat on the counter attack. After soaking up lots of pressure, a through ball from Theo set Harry free. The keeper advanced and Harry lobbed him into the net.

Harrison nearly scored a wonder goal late on when he smashed a shot from outside the area. It was heading top corner but the Totton keeper made an amazing save.

Some more good handling from Thomas together with solid defending from lloyd, Riley, Theo and Eddie , saw us through to a fantastic win against a strong opponent.

Full time

Jaguars 3-0 Totton and Eling

Live days like these when there is such a spread in the votes for player of the day! Shows it was a total team performance.

Player of the Day

Votes for Glyn, Harry, Lloyd, Theo, Mally, James and Eddie. All impressed with their battling attitude and will to win.

Joint winners today were the goalkeepers.

They clearly impressed the fans with their handling in those conditions. Both were really solid and dealt with difficult back passes well (especially Harrison when Thomas chipped one back at his chest 😄).

Both also did well on pitch. Thomas won every tackle in midfield and Harrison showed some nice touches and nearly scored a screamer.

A superb team performance for us to take into next weeks top of the table clash with Salisbury.

Well done boys 👏👏👏