Barnes hit us and hurt us, defend and attack

Written by Chris Blackmore

Cheam 3s rocked up to this week’s early fixture full of confidence and excitement. Back at home, and with a squad that boasted substitutes, things were looking positive coming into our encounter with Barnes. Unfortunately the mood was not as rosy upon our exit, Barnes walked away with a 2-0 smash’n’grab that would have made Mourinho giggle like a little school-girl.

There was not a lot to comment upon on this match, it seemed to pass with little fuss or bother. Despite having both Molly and Sohail in the same defence, things were calm and composed… That’s a pretty big achievement I guess. The game was very balanced, with both teams putting in a shift and play was back and forth throughout. However the difference came through short-corners, where Barnes converted twice through fortunate circumstances. The first was salvaged after a fluffed collection at the top of the D, and Barnes’ quick one-two managed to beat both runners for a much easier opportunity on goal. Then the second was a cruel deflection off my ankle to take the ball away from Scott, who would have otherwise had it covered and cleared. As frustrating as these both were, they cannot be attributed to any mistake or lack of effort. The midfield and defence were organised and resolute throughout, pretty much nullifying the threat posed by Barnes, who never looked like scoring in open play… Which probably makes these short-corners sting a little more than they should.

As for our offensive efforts, the movement and link-up play was ever closer to reaping reward, as the interchangeable attacking options managed to fashion a string of good chances. Powell, Pearce and Buchols all went close, but Barnes’ keeper was equal to any effort on target, keeping his sheets as clean as an OCD nun’s. As the clock ticked away, Cheam became a bit more panicked and hurried, sometimes returning to the dark days of hit’n’hope passes, and go-it-alone dribbling. Whilst this is understandable, given the infuriating nature of the match, it gave Barnes the time and space to see out the final minutes of the game and soak in their success.

Whilst the wait for points continues, each week I am more and more impressed by this new team. Five weeks ago we were a rag-tag bunch of those that had survived the summer exodus. Now, slowly but surely, its coming together. Expectations remain high, and I am reminded of words by a great philosopher: “The night is darkest just before the dawn. And I promise you, the dawn is coming.” – Harvey Dent, 2008.