Cheam 3s vs Croydon and Old Whitgiftians 2s

Cheam 3s continued their ramp up to the new season with a friendly match against Croydon and Old Whitgiftians 2s. After a 2-0 loss to a Cheam 2nd XI last week the team were hoping to put in a better performance this time out, although from last week's match report one would be forgiven for thinking the 2s goalkeeper was the only player on the pitch, the report reading like a campaign speech by Donald Trump - full of extensive self-praise and awkwardly formed sentences. Joking aside, this week's opposition were also from a league above us, playing in SOHL division 1, so we expected another stern test.

Cheam fielded a strong side, welcoming back some of last season's regulars. A special mention to Shashi Karanje who travelled all the way down from Warrington for the match. The game started at a good pace with both sides looking comfortable in possession and playing the ball around nicely. Croydon had some quick and skillful attackers who were looking to take every opportunity to hit us on the break. This led to them making the first breakthrough, finishing well from a good move. Soon after they struck again to go 2-0 up. Cheam dug in to try to turn the scoreline around, with a number of good attacks that were thwarted by the superb Croydon goalkeeper. Cheam kept at it with new captain Richard Coleman turning the ball in for 2-1. Shortly before half time Gary Morley struck with an excellent finish on the reverse to put the ball into the roof of the net for 2-2.

Cheam continued to improve in the second half, defending more resolutely and creating chances, attacking with pace and intent. Chris B and Johnny Eales were linking well with the midfield from left and right back and the chances were starting to mount. Another string of saves from the Croydon keeper again frustrated the Cheam forwards. Croydon continued to look dangerous on the break and Cheam had to resort to some last ditch defending to stop from going behind again. One such attack led to a fantastic diving save from Mike Karolak in goal, but unfortunately the defence failed to clear the ball and an unmarked striker slammed the ball home for 3-2. Cheam kept going in search of an equaliser, and eventually Sam Shethran forced our first short corner of the match with some good play. The corner didn't exactly go as planned with some confusion as to who was going to receive the ball from the injection. We assumed Coleman but the ball went straight to Ted Szuman who stopped, looked up and sent the ball back to injector Jonny Eales who did well to trap the ball and turn to finish on the reverse, levelling the match at 3-3.

This was a good result for Cheam, and one that was fair to both sides in a friendly match played at a good standard and in good humour. The 3s can take a lot of positives from the match which will help them in the new season in a higher league.