M4 vs Crowborough 3

Even in the build-up to the top of the table clash there was drama; Charlie was already on the injured list, Capt. Paul benched then dropped himself due to illness, Rak was at the seaside with the 1s and with Billy helping out the 2s, Eddie stepped up before he also hit the sick list, leaving Simon to come out of goalie 'retirement' - what a star!

It was no surprise when a young Crowborough side pushed back and began a good passing game. Too much time was spent in our own half at the start with Garry, Adam and Archie working hard to hold firm in front of Simon supported by a couple of amazing 'on the line' clearances from Matt! We saw a strong centre back for Crowborough take control for the visitors and start a catalogue of umpiring observations which got him noticed. As the half went on Saxons started to exert more pressure on the Crowborough back line with Matt and Will making progress in good areas. Adding pace from James R and Jack brought a different feel to the game. However, the half ended goalless and that was the pervasive feeling at half time before Paul stepped in with some more wise words.

Just before half time we were treated to a weird outburst from one of their defenders and the Umpires stopped the game, restored order and had a half-time chat of their own with the visiting captain. (I said this game had everything!)

Nil:Nil may have been perceived as fair for the first half but Saxons wanted the win more and came into their own in the second half. PK was picking up balls that Crowborough were trying to push through and Star Man Josh was a tiger in midfield throughout and became more effective (and more vocal) as the game went on. Adam took offence when one of their forwards suggested he should cool it but handbags were not drawn and Umpire Olly diffused the situation well. It was a full 60 minutes before James persuaded Crowborough to help the ball into the net from a short. Stan and Tim then returned to the fray and Saxons started to exploit space with telling runs from Sheff and the pressure was building. Ten minutes later James got a second coming into the D from the right and the game felt safe. In the past the last few minutes have felt nervous with late goals conceded too often last year - this felt different and with encouragement from Charlie and the Saxons supporters Simon and the backs grabbed our 4th clean sheet.

We're currently 8 points clear with Top of the table status guaranteed for Christmas (plus a goal difference others will envy) and, thanks to 'Stato' James H, we now know that we're 15 points ahead of our meagre tally at this stage last year and 4 points clear of where both promoted teams were at this stage last year. We are the team to beat!

By Tim Laughton