Tonbridge Invicta Under 16's V Oxted & District

A POINT SQUANDERED

TONBRIDGE INVICTA 3 OXTED & DISTRICT 3

29.09.02

There is no doubt that this was a game we should have won, so ultimately it is a point lost rather than anything else. On the other hand we remain unbeaten and there is certainly something in that too.

We started in very sloppy fashion and allowed the visitors to gain in confidence. Consequently for the first 15 minutes or so we were on the back foot. Having weathered the storm however, we gradually began to pass the ball and exert some pressure of our own. We had a number of near misses as the half wore on and a goal seemed to be coming.

Sure enough with 35 minutes on the clock Daniel Powell was released inside the box and drilled the ball past the Oxted keeper. Our joy was short lived however. We gave an unnecessary free kick away moments later and suffered the consequences when an Invicta head unfortunately sent the kick into our own net. That's how it was at the break, 1-1.

We did seem to get more of a hold in midfield in the second period. Daniel Howse, voted Man Of The Match, was particularly influential and we began to string some good moves together. With about 15 minutes gone Andrew Roberts slid a super ball into the path of Daniel Powell and the striker made no mistake for his and the team's second. We were certainly on top at this stage and another seemed only a matter of time.

In fact it was with 63 minutes played that Daniel Powell went on another excellent run into the box. As he shaped to shoot he was brought down. Daniel Howse slotted the penalty away coolly to give us a 3-1 lead.

At this point we made the fatal mistake of assuming the game was won. Despite still creating chances we switched off to their main weapon, the long ball, and got caught out. Some really sloppy defending saw us concede a second and with only minutes left we failed to cover at the back and an Oxted player got in at the back post to finish well. 3-3.

You have to give Oxted credit for keeping going but we must learn to be more ruthless and close games out. In essence we have to become even more focussed when we get in front. We have to develop a really mean streak!

There were nonetheless some good performances on the day. Daniel Howse was outstanding, while Matthew Styles continues to develop into a fine full back. Neil Wilson worked very hard and created a fair bit, while Ben Fitzer made some excellent saves, particularly in the first half. Daniel Powell continued his superb run of scoring and worked very hard too. Aaron Medgett began to show dominance in the air and it was good to see Jason Carroll come on for a tidy debut.

Heads Up lads, We did get a point!