2 large and 4 small ones...

White Roding went into the weekend sitting top of Group D in the League Cup, knowing that avoiding defeat would see the boys enter the knockout stages and extend their unbeaten start to the season. In the first few weeks, we have had a long, hard look at what we did (or not do to be exact) last term and with minimal changes in personnel, have re-shaped what we do on and off the pitch. Like a round in Countdown, to win a football match there are a plethora of possible winning combinations and sticking with one throughout the season (or even in a game) is rarely the answer.

Armed with his Kipsta Coaching Folder and his geeky knowledge of antiquated formations, the Gaffer has asked different questions of players, positions and post-match meals. All have been well-received and going from challenges in fielding a bare 11, we are now swelled with full compliments on the bench, with a few more to spare. It makes for some tough decisions, open conversations and understanding all round.

We will need the whole squad for the season, so there will be game time aplenty for everyone. Welcoming Pavillion FC for the 9 pointer, the pitch at CM6 was like a billiard table... a wet one, but green, lush and level all the same.

The game started at a frenetic pace with Ian Hollanby going close inside a minute with the keeper pulling off a fine save. The Gaffer was forced into early substitutions when Hollanby and then Steve Luxford both succumbed to Hamstring pulls. Seeing through to half time, a reorganisation happened with Dave Dawson acting as target man with Spencer Nicklen & Ian Carter occupying wide roles and Si Copper at the back.

Defensive discipline restrict the opposition to long range efforts and the final whistle saw both teams progress into the QFs.

Dave East was unlucky with a series of half chances and Spencer & Dom Boom forced fine saves from the Pavillion MoM and Goalkeeper Whilst the score today was the first thing that many focused on, the Gaffer took comfort in the progression of the team... small but GRASPABLE changes are leading to more positive results!

No 9 points, but 7 was enough to keep the crowd of 6 happy. Special mention goes to Dean... who despite a hot Tinder date tonight with Leslie from Luton, ran himself into the ground. We hope Leslie has more energy tonight than Dean has left.

Line-up

Stuart (GK)

Lux

Dean

Dom

Dave D

Dave E

Tel

Tony C

Ian H

Ian C

Mark C

James

Si Copper

Dan

The Gaffer