October 27 2007

Good afternoon everyone and welcome to Catons Lane for this afternoons Ridgeons League First Division fixture against Cornard United.

Over the past couple of seasons we have played out some very competitive and closely fought contests against our visitors and Im sure today will be of no exception.

The current league standings are extremely close with only three points separating seven teams so it is imperative that we pick up as many points as we can to maintain our challenge with the top teams.

In recent weeks we have added to our already impressive squad and welcome new signings Zac Collins, Edward Lewis and Paul Stokes. All three have made appearances for the side over the past few games and have impressed those involved at the club. I would like to welcome the lads and wish each and every one of them every success at the club.

Maintaining the positive approach, we have been boosted recently by the news that Dean Godden is recovering well from his injury set back and has started his return to fitness. Deano is a commanding figure and popular presence in the dressing room, and again I take this opportunity to wish him well with his speedy recovery.

We were unfortunately eliminated from two cup competitions in recent weeks at the hands of higher league opposition. On Tuesday 16^th Oct we were defeated by Stanway Rovers in the Essex Senior cup in a reverse scoreline of the 3-0 we defeated them by in the FA Cup weeks prior.

Tuesday night saw us beaten 2-0 by Haverhill Rovers in the league cup. I felt we were the better side for the first 25mins but once we conceded a sloppy goal we just lost our shape a bit and were caught out conceding another goal from a set piece shortly after. Throughout the second half the game became a bit of a battle with neither side really dominating but it was a good workout and gave more experience to some of the younger lads who featured.

In between the two cup setbacks we competed in an entertaining game away at Hadleigh United on Saturday 20^th where we settled for a point in a goalless draw. Despite the lack of goals I must give praise to both keepers on the day for the acrobatics they produced. I felt we were the better side throughout the first half and squandered a few good chances and opportunities that came our way and on another day could have gone in three up at the interval. The second half started as more of a contest with tackles being made stronger and the all round intensity of the game increasing. The final 15mins made for cracking entertainment with both sides attacking the other in an end to end display. Both teams were complimentary of each other at the final whistle.

We must continue to work hard for each other and give everything we have to collect maximum points. Anything short of this is not acceptable!

Thank you, for your continued support.

All the best.     Tommy

Archive

13 October 2007

15 September 2007

18 August 2007

11 August 2007

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