Potters Bar 3’s: 3 - Stevenage 5’s: 1
Saturday 12th December 2009

Another Saturday, another 3’s game and another big squad of 14, though this could have easily been 17! This even resulted in the skipper substituting himself this week!

The team talk was almost identical to the previous week; make the most of the chances in the D and score lots of goals – simple!

Stevenage came out strong for the first 10 minutes or so, however after the game had settled down it was Bar that dominated. It took Bar around 20 minutes to finally breakdown Stevenage’s experienced defence and it was youngster Simeon, scoring his second of the season, who got Bar off the mark. After a goal mouth scramble the promising junior calmly slotted in from close range. Less than 2 minutes later Bar were 2-0 up and it was again Simeon who was on the score sheet, after an Alex Seeney shot was saved by the diving Stevenage keeper Simeon skilfully chipped the ball over the keeper before he had the chance to get back to his feet. As with previous weeks John Hobbs and Andy Bye were putting in plenty of crosses into the D but too many of these were squandered through poor positioning.

Bar held on to go in to half time with a two goal lead.

Half time team talk, a summary: score some more goals!

The second half saw Bar much less dominant and come under increasing pressure from Stevenage. The visitors were rewarded with a scrambled goal around half way through the second half. This encouraged them to attack hard to try and get something from the game. Whilst the Bar defence stood relatively firm the remainder of the game was a very nervous one for the home side with some last ditch defending required. A lot of the shape in midfield was also lost and sloppy passing thwarted numerous attempts to make the game safe. However with just seconds remaining Alex Seeney, making his first appearance up front this season, got Bar’s third - much to the relief of the home side.

A quick mention for the juniors who had another good game and secondly John Hobbs who worked tirelessly in midfield. A final mention to JP who turned up with a stinking hangover and kept the skipper amused whilst on the sidelines.

The end of game team talk focused on the importance of making the most of chances and not becoming complacent despite the teams excellent start to the season. Whilst the 3’s unbeaten record in the league and 5 game winning run is certainly something to be proud of, more focus and hard work will be required in the second half of the season in order to continue the 3’s push for promotion. First game in the new year is the rescheduled away fixture at third place Southgate Adelaide, which promises to be one of the toughest games of the year, but a win will see the 3’s go top (yes TOP) of division 9SW!! Put it in your diaries now - Saturday 9th January 2010, 12:00 push back!