Upminster [M4s] 1 v 7 Chelmsford [4s]

 

Upminster 4’s began the 2017/18 season with a heavy defeat at home to a well drilled and skilful Chelmsford side. For most of the match it was backs to the wall as the U’s defence tried to cope with the onslaught. Too many defensive errors in the early stages finally took their toll as Chelmsford attacked at will. The U’s were lucky to only be 3 goals down at half time as last-ditch tackles and wayward strikes prevented further successes at goal. The second period began in the same fashion as an early error at the back gifted the visitors their 4th.

Skipper Tony Dance had seen enough and moved Steve Pearce up front, brought Bradley Loman into the midfield, swapped Charlie Mills from the right to left wing and moved Jordan Southan into the midfield. Still under the cosh, the U’s began to put up some resistance and mounted sporadic attacks of their own. Ollie Peck came close, as his short corner strike fizzed just wide of the left hand upright. With the U’s pushing forward, this allowed more room for the visitors to counter attack, which they did with clinical effect, netting a further 3 goals in the process. With the game almost over, Peck netted a consolation from another short corner, this time his strike (hit with great force) found the back board through the keepers’ legs.

Upminster 4’s are away to Saffron Walden this Saturday where a defensive improvement is a must.

No man or defender of the match this week, the performance didn’t merit one.

Half time 0 – 3

Full time 1 – 7