Thanks everybody for coming out in what was a nice sunny morning. We spoke before the game about us having a really solid squad and that everyone will be needed and it showed today.

After a bad half against Mavericks and then a draw last week without playing well, today we needed to get a result to turn the tide.

We spoke about winning our firsts and our battles with our direct opponents. We started well and on the front foot but just couldn’t get our shots away, bit of nervous energy and panic I think. Lots of energy from Mayson in the middle and Ernie pulling the strings at the top of the park.

However a long ball down the middle again was our undoing. It’s becoming a bit of a trend and something for us to work on. First shot for southwell and we were behind. What pleased me was the response and also Sams attitude, talking and confidence in goal only matched by a great save.

The workrate of Mayson led to a thoroughly deserved equaliser for the little maestro. A mixture of Harrison, Ralph, Jett and Joel all in the first half helping in that midfield battle. Isaac and Ernie and then Emmanuel really working hard to occupy defenders and use their physicality to create openings.

Then came the first of Charlie’s two game changing moments. A brilliant delivery to the back post by Erns was met by a bullet header from Charlie into the back of the net with the last action of the half. By this time Aida, Oz, Noah and Haz had got to grips with the Southwell attack and were dealing with the threat.

Second half was different, it became a basketball game, back and forth and it was all about winning our own battles and dealing with the pressure. The work rate in the second half from all was brilliant to see. We spoke about digging deep and coming away with a win. Fitness was showing for a couple who hadn’t played much and we picked up a knock or two. I thought the defence were really good 2nd half but as a team from the front to the back we worked and grounded the game out.

Then 5 mins to go there was a scramble with bodies everywhere and somehow (god knows how) Charlie boy found himself on the line clearing a certain equaliser. Great to see the plaudits he got after. I also think Aida defended brilliantly in that last 5 mins with the two boys alongside her.

We hung on for a deserved 3 points and we move on now that’s off our back. LOTS to work on but we have a base now.

Mom today was Mayson for the effort and basically covering every blade of grass, topped off with a goal. Charlie with his two moments and Sam and Ernie also brilliant. Every single player gave their all and contributed. Well done team and breathe!