TOPPS UNITED 2 v DOCKING DEVILS 4 - 02/11/08 Docking Devils made it three wins out of three with their best performance of the season, away to a very strong Topps United side at Lynnsport. In an evenly contested opening period on a very wet pitch, both teams were a credit to their clubs, getting the ball down and playing some good football in a good spirit in difficult conditions. The early chances fell to Topps, but with the back four defending well and Ed showing some assured handling in goal, the Devils managed to keep the home side out. With Matty's pace up front, the midfield looking to find runners and Dom and Jamie offering pace and width on both flanks, the Devils always looked capable of scoring a goal on the break. And so it proved midway through the first half, when Luke played a superb ball through the defence to put Matty through on goal, and he made no mistake with his finish, carrying the ball into the box before sending an unerring shot into the bottom corner of the net. However, the game was always on a knife edge, with Topps Utd having sustained spells of possession in and around the Devils' penalty area and their striker can count himself particularly unlucky not to have scored when clean through, when the ball got caught under his feet in a deep puddle of water. Despite some nervy moments, Docking were still playing well and looking to double their advantage. And so it proved on twenty minutes. Some strong defending and a clever pass by Arthur put Jamie in space and his ball sent Matty through on goal again. As with his first chance, Matty made no mistake, looking up and slotting the ball low into the corner of the goal, giving the keeper no chance. With half time approaching, Docking were desperate to hold onto their clean sheet until the break. But Topps were equally deternined to get a foothold back in the game, and their good play finally earned some reward right on the half time whistle, when their striker got in on goal and sent a powerful shot past Ed. With the team having switched off in the second half in their previous game, they were give a strong reminder in the half time team talk that any repeat of that would see Topps capitalise, so the team went back out determined not to let their concentration lapse, knowing the next goal was crucial. Whatever was said clearly worked, as there was no let up in the Devils concentration and work rate, and the vital third goal soon came, following a good throw by Dom which was cleverly flicked on by Harry to put Matty in on goal. Despite being at an acute angle, with not much goal to aim at, Matty completed an exceptional hat-trick, with a low finish across goal which found the net at the base of the far post. However, a spirited Topps side still weren't finished and they soon had the score back to 3-2, following some good play down the middle before their striker once again finished with an excellent strike. The game was back in the balance again, but the back four didn't let their heads drop and battled for every ball, the midfield continued to pass rather than panic and Will had an excellent long-range strike saved on the line by the Topps keeper, after he'd spilled the initial shot. Docking desperately needed another goal to ease the pressure on their goal and, just when it was needed, Jamie popped up on the left before cutting inside and sending a low shot into the far corner of the net to restore the Devils' two goal advantage. It was now a case of staying focussed, keeping their shape and seeing the game out. And, despite a couple of close calls, great tackling and some brilliant handling by Ed in goal in appalling conditions ensured the points were safe. Every single player can be rightly proud of their performance today against a very good Topps side. They have all raised their game to a new level in recent weeks and I am very proud of them all for their efforts. The key now is to maintain it, which we will be working hard to ensure they do. Well done, boys. Keep it up. Team: Ed, Will, Lewis, Joe, Arthur, Dom, Harry, Luke, Jamie, Will, Matty, Lee, Harry. Report by Huw Griffiths.
DOCKING DEVILS 6 v DOWNHAM B 3 - 26/10/08 Docking registered their second win in as many weeks against a good Downham side, who gave the Devils a real scare with a spirited second half comeback. The Devils began the game strongly and were soon ahead through a goal from Matty, following some good work from Luke in the left channel. The Devils went close again soon after, following a mazy run by Arthur on the left, but a Downham defender got back well to put him off, just as he shaped to shoot, and the ball rolled harmlessly wide. However, the Devils soon had a two goal lead, following a melée in the box after a good corner by Luke was helped on by Harry. The ball finally fell to Dom, who unleashed a powerful drive into the roof of the net. With Ed assured in goal, Docking managed to keep Downham at bay, despite some good attacks by the visitors down their left and it was the home side once again who got the next goal. An under hit goalkick by the Downham keeper was picked up by Matty, who raced through on goal, but the keeper was quickly off his line and appeared to have done enough to prevent Matty shooting. But the Docking striker managed to turn away from the goalie before driving the ball into an unguarded net, as the Downham defence tried to race back. It was Matty on target again for the home side five minutes later, once again managing to power his way past the Downham defence before finishing low into the net. With the score 4-0 to Docking and half time approaching, Downham's spirited play finally brought them some deserved reward, with their striker finishing neatly past Ed from just inside the box to make the half time score 4-1 to Docking. In the half time team talk, the Docking players were reminded that the game wasn't over and that Downham's goal would have given them a much-needed boost for the second half. However, despite being told that they had to stay focussed and determined, the Devils switched off as soon as the whistle blew and Downham enjoyed some sustained pressure in Docking's half. They were soon rewarded for their good play with another goal and another good finish, making the score 4-2 and suddenly making the game a tense affair. Despite not being at their best, Docking managed another goal of their own, with Luke finishing well from the edge of the area with a low curling shot, to give the home side some much needed breathing space again. However, Docking's relief was short-lived, as they continued to play sloppily and, yet again, allowed Downham back into the game, following an excellent move and shot that gave Ed no chance, making it 5-3 to Docking with six or seven minutes remaining. Downham now looked the more likely side to score again, but an opportunist strike by Dom, who hit the ball first time straight back into the net from a Downham goal kick, was enough to finally settle the game in Docking's favour, with the home side 6-3 up at the final whistle. Whilst the boys can be proud of the good things they did in the game and proud of themselves for winning when not playing well, they have plenty to learn from this game. If you switch off in a football match and think the game is won, you can (and often will) be punished by the opposition. Our games last 60 minutes, not 30 minutes, and to translate your ability into results, it is vital you play to your best for the entire game. Enjoy the win, boys, but learn from the game too. Team: Ed, Harry, Joe, Lewis, Will, Dom, Harry, Luke, Arthur, Lee, Matty. Report by Huw Griffiths. | 
