Moulsford Secure 3-1 Victory Over Caldicott

In a thrilling encounter away in Upper Farnham, Moulsford's 1st XI team secured a 3-1 victory against Caldicott, marking a promising start to the season under my leadership as the new coach.

Despite the challenging conditions presented by the very wet pitch, which is typical of Caldicott this time of year, our boys demonstrated resilience and determination right from the first whistle. A stellar performance began with Goulden's exquisite slide pass to our Captain Hill, who expertly placed the ball low into the corner, setting the tone for the match.

While we enjoyed early success, we encountered a setback as Caldicott capitalised on a momentary lapse, levelling the score from distance. It was a reminder for us to exercise caution in our passes forward and to ensure we give secondary advice when giving the ball to teammates.

Throughout the first half, we struggled to regain control, often forcing passes that played into the hands of the opposition's centre midfield and defence. However, our determination never wavered, and we entered halftime with a renewed focus. I was impressed with G Harrison, Sedgwick and Mosely’s calmness in possession and their movement of the ball in these areas will certainly help us in setting up our attacks from deep.

During the break, we made tactical adjustments, shifting to a flat centre three and redefining the roles of our front wide players. This strategic shift allowed us to dominate possession and apply relentless pressure on Caldicott, who found themselves pinned in their own half.

Inglis emerged as a standout performer, disrupting Caldicott's play with his tough tackling and disciplined midfield presence. With Hathway's clever wing play and Hill's clinical finishing, we seized control of the game, eventually securing the victory with Hill's spectacular strike from 40 yards out. Monahan, Taylor and G Harrison all had efforts late on as Caldicott tired and their movement down the left side was a constant headache for the opposition.

Looking ahead, we acknowledge the challenges posed by upcoming fixtures, particularly against formidable opponents like Dragon. However, with continued focus on maintaining our shape, both defensively and offensively, and adhering to our roles and responsibilities on the pitch, I am confident in our ability.

Special recognition must be given to Venner, whose vocal leadership and positional awareness earned him praise from both coaches as one of the standout players of the match. He pressed the space well and made two vital sweeping efforts late on as Caldicott pushed for a goal.

Lastly, I extend my heartfelt gratitude to the parents for their unwavering support and positivity on the sidelines. Your encouragement is vital for the boys and we are truly grateful for your presence.

With this victory under our belts, we look forward to the challenges and triumphs that lie ahead in the season. Come on the Moles!

Squad - Venner, Sedgwick, G Harrison, D Harrison, De Morgan, Moseley, Goulden, Inglis, Taylor, Hill ©, Monahan and Hathway

Mr Chaffey