Points shared in thrilling encounter

An away trip to the team sitting undefeated on top of the table is always an acid test of how a team is travelling. After taking the lead in both previous matches, the M3s had something promising to work with, but no points yet to show for it.

Woking M5s player for player were the better side, and thanks to their M6s recently withdrawing from the league, had a full complement of fresh young legs on the bench. After early season selection inconsistency, Cheam M3s entered the match with their strongest squad so far and a manageable subs bench of two.

On the spacious new pitch at Goldsforth Park, it was a fast, open game played in great spirit, and with a pair of excellent umpires who kept the play flowing. An early barrage of attack from the home side was repelled, with one lucky break from the woodwork deflecting the ball across the face of goal rather than into the net. Throughout the match Cheam had its share of chances and both sides had their keepers to thank for the scoresheet remaining blank. The result could have gone either way, Woking were probably the better team on the day, but on the balance of it, neither side deserved to lose a great contest.

Really proud of the team for the sustained effort throughout the match. In the closing minutes, everyone took ownership of the situation, "we're not going to lose this", without losing sight of the team structure. Every player contributed, the off-the-ball running was great to see from everyone and best of all, the composure on the ball was excellent. No panicking under pressure, keeping your head, and finding the right outlet or playing for the free hit. The basics of the game plan are coming along very well, now we start to build on that as the team develops over the course of the season.

Brilliant day, most enjoyable match I have played in for many a year, and hopefully everyone else felt the same!