Harrow beat Monarchs

Game 3 saw the Monarchs visiting Harrow on a lovely warm, breezy day. Unbeaten we were looking for a hattrick of wins to give us the best possible start to the season. However, we were woefully short on defenders and with only 11 of us making the trip, we had no subs. Harrow started well, pressed hard and passed accurately. We did not. We struggled to find our shape, made sloppy mistakes and gave the ball away too often. We still had chances though, and were regularly getting in their D with some strong passes in by the likes of Rich from the left, and JC. But we either didn’t connect with the final pass or failed to convert. Harrow kept pressing and after 20 minutes, despite Sean’s best efforts we were 2 goals down. However, we soon began to make some probing passes down both right and left channels. It was working well with Cory finding Rich who then found Chad. We were soon rewarded with a well worked, excellent first goal by Chad. A couple of minutes later Viren brought the ball into the top of the D. He skilfully drew in 2 or 3 defenders before flicking the ball left, to me, for a clean first time strike which drilled into the bottom left. All square at HT.

The second half started strongly for us, we were immediately in their D and should have converted 2 or more great opportunities, but it wasn’t to be. The tide started to turn against us. Harrow were frequently catching us on the break and bringing players into the attack quickly and in numbers. The midfield was opening up with big gaps and they were owning it. It wasn’t long before they scored two more. And that’s how it ended, 4-2.

We let some of the basics go today, failed to kill the game off at the start of the 2nd half and paid the price. We need to look before we pass. We need to pass strongly and with conviction. We need to make short corners count. We need to be vocal and positive with each other. We need to move forwards and backwards as one, to avoid opening up big gaps. We need to win the 50/50 ball. We need to find space so people can pass to us. We need to finish clinically. We need to stop getting frustrated.

We are so much better than we played today. We will beat them on the return.

My man of the match is Viren. Brilliant running up and down the middle. Some great passes and a great assist on my goal! Always creating options. Almost scoring from a short corner or two, and most importantly – not giving up – you chased down their players tirelessly all over the pitch. Well done!

Match Report: Time Brennan