A win’s a win………………….

With the advantage of an average 10 years more youthfulness over the opposition, resulting in 90% domination, the Highwaymen held on to scrape a victory. It’s not that the home team played badly it was more that conservatively more than 15 clear opportunities only resulted in 2 goals.

To say the game was frustrating to watch is an understatement and that the final whistle was a blessed relief.
Who knows if Saturday’s squad will reflect how it will be for the rest of the season or not but the combination of wit, wisdom, a fair degree of skill and most valuably more youthful legs is the way to go. Carney Battenti, Alex Muntus and Matt McGhee made a great contribution with Alex scoring the winning goal with 10 minutes to go.

The defence and midfield for the main part very solid. Carney working with Phil Kinch and Chris Bernard to keep what attacks there were at bay. As usual the powerhouse of Richard Cleall and Ravi Wickramasuriya (who scored the first goal of the match) controlled the game ably supported by Irish Pete on the right, who by his own modest admission had a number of impressive runs down the line finished with fine crosses – it’s a pity the forwards only converted one! Greg Dowse, proud father Peter on the side line, played well but was under exploited on the left. New returner Chris Smith, still “ring rusty”, made his presence felt and will become more effective as the season progresses.

Sadly, the strikers were lacking the finishing touch both from generous open play chances and short corners. To be fair with only Pat Gainey the only natural striker the Highwayman were likely to struggle. However, towards the end Pat looked as though he had got this killer-instincts back – which bodes well for the rest of the season.

Despite the home team domination of the match, the clear Man of the Match was Damo, in goal, who ensured a win by his sterling efforts during the last 10 minutes - a period when the home side looked as though they wanted to grab defeat from the jaws of victory!

So – the first league victory as the Highwaymen and, hopefully, it can only get better. Undoubtedly playing with some younger club members in the squad will be vital if the Highwaymen are to be competitive for the rest of the season. It was fortunate that Holcombe are a genuine Vets team on this occasion. Other sides in the league are going to be fitter, younger and faster.
Thanks to both Umpires for keeping the game flowing, dealing with one small altercation and not upsetting the home team too much for disallowed goals!

The scorers - Ravi Wickramasuriya and Alex Muntus

MOM – Damo – we must find out his full name, at the moment he is the super hero - “The Masked Defender”

Squad - Ainley, Kinch, Gainey, Robinson, Cleall, Wickramasuriya, Bernard, Dowse’ Smith, Battenti, McGhee, Muntus and “The Masked Defender”