This Saturday saw Shenfield’s first home game of the season again Newham United holding a very strong record against the blues consisting of 6 wins and 2 draws in six matches (how we manage to draw and lose a couple of them you have to ask stats man Simon Hearn). However, only finishing 2 places above a generally regarded weaker Shenners team last term, and also being able to call on new club skipper Gregg English to make his first competitive appearance alongside Dewhurst at the back, meant that there was everything to play for.
The game kicked off with some big decisions made by the management team, the most controversial being the manager for the day Robin Lynn moaning at players for being 3 minutes late, and the two footed wide man Chris Commons (Soz I mean Jack Denham), brought into the centre to beef up the fight in the middle.
These tactics seemed to work as the blues started well with the opening 20 minutes witnessing a big improvement on the way they started last weekend against Stambridge. With some good movement and better passing, Shenfield found themselves 1 – 0 up with Sam slotting home inside the 6 yard box following some good play down the left.
Unfortunately it was only a matter of time before Shenners realised they were playing well and subsequently returned to their usual standard. What turned out to be a game changing incident involving the Newham forward getting booked rather than the red carded, seemed to spur them into life and back into the game. A well-placed free kick and showboating by their forward which left Dewhurst looking for a taxi meant Shenfield found themselves 1-3 down at half time. Craig Burgess did have a chance to make it 2-3 when some quick passing from a Newham corner resulted in a counter attack sir Alex would have been proud of. However, having almost an entire half of space to run with the ball by the time he got into range Burgess’ locker was empty and passed it back to the on coming keeper.
Some inspiring words from Robin at the break (my personal favourite being, “F*ck me and F*ck Paul”) meant Shenfield went out in the second half again to do a lot of F*cking. This seemed to be working as the blues starting battling well only to be undone by the referee distracting the blue defence and looking nowhere near the ball, while Newham chipped in a free kick to the back post and volleyed it in, 2-4.
With Robin’s side looking down the barrel he decided to make a big change and brought on German into defence while moving Gregg into Midfield. This decision soon changed the game when the Newham added another goal to their tally with a cross from the left being headed in at the back post. Unfazed by this German went on to rattle the cross bar 10 minutes from time from 30 yards, which fell to Joe Frost who’s touch deserted him and couldn’t bring it down to put in….from 2 yards.
That was probably the last bit of action for a mixed day for Shenfield where although they have lost another game, obvious signs of improvement are showing. Joe Williams the goal keeper won manager’s Man of the Match as although he shipped in five, some Gomez like challenges at the edge of the area and some good takes from crosses helped to maintain the score line.
Dick of the Day this week was a tossup between two players, Bill Tex was saved by Sam after finishing off his attempt to humiliate the former Shenfield Goalie Crawford, rather than taking the first time shot.
However no one was there to save Craig Burgess in the Eagle and Child after the game playing it cool with a five year old girl telling her, “You can’t have my sausage” ….Wow
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