Kings Hill Over 50s Start with 3–1 Defeat to Chatham
Kings Hill 1 v 3 Chatham
Despite going down 1- 3 to a well organised experienced Chatham team, our over 50’s team put in a very good performance. Especially in the 1st half, where KH dominated much of the play.
There was some good linked play stemming from our Defender(s) through the midfield to Steve playing up front.
Jeff put in a very solid game and looked very comfortable in organising the players in front of him and when on the ball.
All 3 of the Chatham goals came from silly KH mistakes and this is one of the lessons we have to learn. Our lack of patience can often lead to our own downfall, as sometimes the best way forward is to look backwards, and not force a pass when an easier option is available.
That aside, KH were able to pepper the Chatham goal, but the lack of accuracy didn’t put too much pressure on their GK.
However, about halfway through the first half our reliable skipper, Darren, did pull-off a fantastic long-range effort which dipped and screamed into the back of their net, bringing KHWFC back into the game at 1 -1. We also rattled their crossbar late in the 2nd half, but these were really our only serious efforts. The 2nd half also saw Mart come close when he managed to lose the defender that was very tightly marking him. His turn and low-level shot drifted only inches wide of the Chatham post.
Duncan was unlucky not to save a well struck 1st half penalty, which had been given for him handling the ball which was deemed to be no more than an inch or 2 outside the area. The rest of his game was as solid as ever. There was definitely a marked improvement on Dunc’s distribution, which helped get us attacking, often from deep within in our own half.
Dave’s performance was as consistent as ever, which given his move into a newish defensive midfield position was creditable.
Mart linked up well in the middle of the park with Steve, Darren and Jeff on a number of occasions, which often culminated with them getting off a shot. More needs to be done here to get a consistent pattern of play that the whole team can follow and whilst this was our first League game of the season, our fitness also has a tad of catching up to do.
Steve was constantly asking questions of their defence and started to link up more and more with his teammates as the match developed. I would expect him to bag a few goals this season if he continues to bring others into the game and works as hard as he did up front today.
Martin and Rob waited on the side for their chance to make their mark on the game, which without having someone on the sidelines who’s not playing and therefore able to manage the substitutions, is always going to be difficult to get right. We are however grateful for their patience and when they did come on during the 2nd half they clearly gave their all to inject the extra energy the KH team needed, but alas with us trailing by 2 goals, and with the Chatham lads knowing exactly how to make us chase the game our Subs were just unable to change our game enough to get even a share of the points.
I would expect Chatham to do well this season as they know how to keep possession, pass and move, as well as knowing how to “park the bus” and make others work hard when necessary.
We’re definitely a work in progress but should not be ashamed of how we played for most of the game. I’d probably mark us down as a 6 out of 10 today with the potential to do well in our first year in the 50’s league.
Congratulations to Chatham and well done to King’s Hill on a solid first game!
