Post by greygraham on Aug 25, 2020 21:17:07 GMT
Godalming 2 Amesbury 0
Pre-season friendlies are that strange time of year when supporter usually turn out to see their team and then wonder who on earth is playing for them. This year of course the previous friendlies were played behind closed doors with mixed success, so even more strange than usual this year, having not been allowed in. But what a great result for Phil and his crew. 2 - 0 against a team from the Wessex Premier Division (therefore a level above the G’s) on the first occasion that the supporters were allowed to bear witness. Just what we needed.
It was great to see so many familiar faces amongst the Gs supporters who, we are told, were far more numerous than for any other club in this league (apart from Jersey Bulls) last season. From this turn out it looks like we could well be in the same position this coming season. Great to see them back at The Bill Kyte Stadium again to show their support for the Gs, just a shame about social distancing etc, which meant we were forced to resist the urge to fondly embrace.
There were also some well recognisable faces on the pitch wearing the Gs colours, old stagers like Rory Sellick and Dom Hardisty along with Adrian Giles, Sam Taylor, Myles Davidson and Elijah Carter from last season Raison Francis is also listed, but was not on the team sheet for this game .
Forgive me for not knowing the names of many of the other players, but what I did see was a pretty good all round performance from a team, who in the first half dominated and controlled the midfield, and restricted the visitors to a few long range shots, none of which caused Adrian any real problems.
After only 20 minutes, or so, after a fair bit of pressure from the home team on the visitors goal the Gs were awarded a corner out side the penalty area on the Gs left, which was hit low into the box where the Gs Lekan Osideko for me appeared to get a foot to it and steer the ball into the roof of the net for a first goal. Lekan also stood out for me with blistering pace and a great work ethic coupled with good anticipation.
Shortly after the Gs number 11 who impressed throughout the game appeared to get a cross in from the left that went close and may have hit the post.
Phil retained the same team up until early on in the second half when Dom Hardisty came on in midfield.
The visitors also made a number of changes and in fairness this did result in their best spell of pressure throughout the game. But the Gs defence seemed well capable of dealing with the threat. Sam Taylor and his centre back partner Ben May were very strong in the middle of the defence as were the two full backs Myles Davidson and Nathan Morris.
Kai Francis also impressed as a target man, playing well, holding up the ball and using his head well in more ways than one.
The Gs midfield kept the visitors under control allowing nothing to get through the middle Captain Rory as usual leading by example, along with Connor Blanchard and Sam Boultwood, while Ellis Lentell did a great job in the wide positions.
As Phil continued to give other players the chance to join the fray Elijah Carter came on in the middle of the pitch along with others and managed to play an early through ball with the outside of his foot for Connor Young to latch on to and, as he bore down on the goal keeper, he was able to drive the ball past the diving visiting keeper to put the home side 2-0 up to the joy and excitement of the home supporters.
Among the various substitutes that were made Ollie Ballam came on between the sticks for the last 15 minutes as the visitors threw everything forward as they had nothing to lose and Ollie produced a good reaction save to keep a clean sheet for the home team.
The whole Gs squad really worked their socks off and showed commitment and strength when on the ball and worked really hard when we were not in possession.
I realise this was only one game, but it does feel good to see the way the whole squad were performing. If they can maintain that level of commitment and energy we should be competitive during the coming season.
The Gs managerial set up looked professional and efficient as well so thanks Phil for what you have done so far.
COYG’s
Pre-season friendlies are that strange time of year when supporter usually turn out to see their team and then wonder who on earth is playing for them. This year of course the previous friendlies were played behind closed doors with mixed success, so even more strange than usual this year, having not been allowed in. But what a great result for Phil and his crew. 2 - 0 against a team from the Wessex Premier Division (therefore a level above the G’s) on the first occasion that the supporters were allowed to bear witness. Just what we needed.
It was great to see so many familiar faces amongst the Gs supporters who, we are told, were far more numerous than for any other club in this league (apart from Jersey Bulls) last season. From this turn out it looks like we could well be in the same position this coming season. Great to see them back at The Bill Kyte Stadium again to show their support for the Gs, just a shame about social distancing etc, which meant we were forced to resist the urge to fondly embrace.
There were also some well recognisable faces on the pitch wearing the Gs colours, old stagers like Rory Sellick and Dom Hardisty along with Adrian Giles, Sam Taylor, Myles Davidson and Elijah Carter from last season Raison Francis is also listed, but was not on the team sheet for this game .
Forgive me for not knowing the names of many of the other players, but what I did see was a pretty good all round performance from a team, who in the first half dominated and controlled the midfield, and restricted the visitors to a few long range shots, none of which caused Adrian any real problems.
After only 20 minutes, or so, after a fair bit of pressure from the home team on the visitors goal the Gs were awarded a corner out side the penalty area on the Gs left, which was hit low into the box where the Gs Lekan Osideko for me appeared to get a foot to it and steer the ball into the roof of the net for a first goal. Lekan also stood out for me with blistering pace and a great work ethic coupled with good anticipation.
Shortly after the Gs number 11 who impressed throughout the game appeared to get a cross in from the left that went close and may have hit the post.
Phil retained the same team up until early on in the second half when Dom Hardisty came on in midfield.
The visitors also made a number of changes and in fairness this did result in their best spell of pressure throughout the game. But the Gs defence seemed well capable of dealing with the threat. Sam Taylor and his centre back partner Ben May were very strong in the middle of the defence as were the two full backs Myles Davidson and Nathan Morris.
Kai Francis also impressed as a target man, playing well, holding up the ball and using his head well in more ways than one.
The Gs midfield kept the visitors under control allowing nothing to get through the middle Captain Rory as usual leading by example, along with Connor Blanchard and Sam Boultwood, while Ellis Lentell did a great job in the wide positions.
As Phil continued to give other players the chance to join the fray Elijah Carter came on in the middle of the pitch along with others and managed to play an early through ball with the outside of his foot for Connor Young to latch on to and, as he bore down on the goal keeper, he was able to drive the ball past the diving visiting keeper to put the home side 2-0 up to the joy and excitement of the home supporters.
Among the various substitutes that were made Ollie Ballam came on between the sticks for the last 15 minutes as the visitors threw everything forward as they had nothing to lose and Ollie produced a good reaction save to keep a clean sheet for the home team.
The whole Gs squad really worked their socks off and showed commitment and strength when on the ball and worked really hard when we were not in possession.
I realise this was only one game, but it does feel good to see the way the whole squad were performing. If they can maintain that level of commitment and energy we should be competitive during the coming season.
The Gs managerial set up looked professional and efficient as well so thanks Phil for what you have done so far.
COYG’s