First loss

A tough away fixture to Gravesham in windy and latterly rainy conditions. The opposition were clearly very pumped up for this game and were an extremely physical side who were vocal at every opportunity. They played an aggressive press and marked our boys tightly. In truth, we haven't experienced this for a while and it took us a while to find any fluency. This resulted in going 1-0 down from a broken down short corner. No immediate panic stations though as we grew into the game and found an equaliser with Finn Page showing good composure to flick a ball over a prostrate keeper after an inside left led circle entry. Half time came and we regrouped and the second half was an even affair. We swapped goals to make it 2-2 (Mack calmy converting a penalty flick) before Gravesham were also awarded a penalty flick for a tough decision on our defence which they converted. We pushed hard for a third equaliser but the old coach could not convert the two short corner opportunities he was given.
Tough to sum up, we were not out-played but in hindsight we were out fought. We will increasingly face this tactic and we need to rise to the challenge but use our ball retention skills better to ensure our opposition do not get into contact range. We will improve and onto next week...