Matrixgrade 0, Sandhurst 7

Goal Scorers - Savage(2), Barnaby,Duffy
Allen, Mason, Jones

 

Man of the match - the Ref!!

 

MATRIXGRADE COULD NOT HALT 'THE TASH MEN'

The sun shone brightly at the Hive as Matrixgrade kicked off their home campaign  against the old enemy Sandhurst FC. 

Matrixgrade had 4 new faces on parade for this game, Shaw, Genin, Bignall and Bell and also a new management team in the shape of  Lee Farmery and Andy Lord. Steve Farmery now trying to take a bit of a back seat but,  failing miserably to curb his enthusiasm for the game.

One interesting point to mention was the fact that Wayne Savage lined up with the opposition, whilst his mate 'Rabbit' Shaw was turning out for Matrixgrade. A quote from 'Rabbit' on being asked how he felt with his mate on the opposite side was "For the next 90 minutes he aint my mate" thus dispelling any idea they would be going easy on each other.

The match itself was sadly a disaster for Matrixgrade. Right from kick off there appeared a distinct lack of cohesion in the Bees side. A distinct failure to win balls ran through the team, some players gave the impression they had never play the  game. Passes going astray, failure to win the 2nd ball and so it went on right throughout the match. This was how Sandhurst won the match by putting constant pressure on the Bees, which in return forced error after error, leading to a goal.

The defence and goalkeeper were just not 'at the races'. Time after time it was either the defenders or goalkeeper making simple mistakes that led to a goal. Defenders failed to clear their lines or chase back and making suicide passes across the goal. The goalkeeper must learn that he cannot keep trying to catch the ball everytime, he has the option of punching and must use that to good effect.

It did not help our cause by having Jacko and Gav having to go off in the first half, but this should not be used as an excuse.

The second half was better and at least the Bees gave it a go. For some though their frustrations was starting to get the better of them and luckily the ref tried to calm them down, but it was not surprising as Sandhurst tried every trick in the book on the younger players. I thought that Frenchie was very unlucky not to score on his debut. It was easier to score than miss but, that is what happened. Frenchie ghosted in at the back post with what seemed as certain goal only for his header to go wide, such was the luck that Matrixgrade had.

At the end, unfortunately it was the right result and the best team won. This can be put all behind us on Saturday as Matrixgrade are on the road. I am sure that lessons will be learnt by everyone and the wrongs righted. We must start doing the things that Matrixgrade was built on - Commitment, passion, desire and that never say die attitude. It is time to roll up our sleeves an pull our socks up and get stuck into teams from the off.

Finally I must mention the referee. I thought that this man was quite superb and I cannot praise him enough. His handling of the game and players - fantastic. He helped the game run smoothly and we supporters hardly noticed him. At the end though I thought he was going to burst into song with that old Chas and Dave song "Rabbit, rabbit, rabbit" alas it was to book him as Rabbits frustrations boiled over somewhat.

'ONE SWALLOW DON'T MAKE A SUMMER