South Berks overcome Monarchs

Unfortunately it was another case of lots of possession and chances created but no end result as the Monarchs lost 5-1 against a well-organised South Berks team. Although the team had a few players missing, the Monarchs started with a strong 11 and created early chances within the first 10 minutes of the match. Tim was put through within 5 minutes but wasn't able to get to the ball as the keeper raced out to clear the ball. South Berks were moving the ball very well with quick counter attacks and from 2 quick moves, had scored 2 goals within the first 15 minutes against the run of play. The Monarchs continued to press with some good work from Zac on the left-hand side and the opportunities were beginning to come with several short corners won. One of these led to JC slipping the ball to Viren from the top of the D only for the shot to go wide of the far post. On a separate short corner, the Monarchs were only kept out from a double-save from the keeper. But once again before half-time the team succumbed to a quick South Berks counter attack that meant a 3 goal deficit to overcome in the second half. In the second half, the team showed much more spirit and determination to try and turn the game around with Chris winning the ball back on a number of occasions and driving the play forward. Randy kept out a short corner effort from South Berks with a great clearance that was going in just under the bar and defence offered much more protection to Dave who had stepped up to play in goal for this match. With a better choice of pass, the team could easily have put away 3 or 4 goals as the movement out from defence into the last third was very encouraging and South Berks were clearly finding it difficult to deal with as several more short corners were one. The Monarchs did finally get the goal they deserved with a great injection from Richard which Viren finished inside the near post. Richard then came close to scoring himself only for the keeper to cut out what was already a very narrow angle. JC was also working tirelessly in midfield win turn the play from defence to attack and it was a testament to how many times he was winning the ball as the South Berks midfield seemed to start doubling up on him. All in all, the team just weren't quite clinical enough in the final third which again proved costly. This was a brave effort nonetheless with each and every player giving their all, especially in the second half. A big thank you to Dave for offering to play in goal and putting in a fine performance.