This week's match saw us travel to Crowborough sports centre for a tricky looking fixture against Blackham & Ashurst. Going into this game our hosts occupied 2nd spot in the league table, one place above ourselves. Knowing that a victory would move us above our opponents with a game in hand, it was vital that we came away from today's match with all 3 points.
 
With Martin Tamplin earning a last minute call up into the 1st team and Leon Piscina missing out due to work commitments, we were pleased to welcome back Dan Rosier and Ben Bridges into the squad.
 
We lined up with J Faulkner in goal. A back four of Thompson, Herbert, Chambers and Hunt. An unchanged midfield of M Faulkner, Bowen, Poore and Tuema. With Thomas getting the nod to partner Warner in attack. Bridges and Rosier were this weeks subs.
 
The conditions or this game were far from ideal. On what must of been one of the coldest days of the year so far, there was a strong wind running the length of the pitch, however it was the playing surface which left a lot to be desired. With plenty of lumps, bumps and bobbles our usual passing game was going to be put to the test.
 
Playing against the wind in the first half our plan was to contain our hosts and then hope to make use of the elements in the second period. Things got off to the worst possible start when and in swinging corner was mis-judged by James and fell nicely to a Blackham player who made on hesitation in finding the back of the net.
 
Thankfully our heads never went down and although defending was proving very difficult against the wind, we were starting to have our own success at the other end. Firstly Glen levelled the scores with a fierce shot and then Josh raced in behind the Blackham back four and then cooly beat the keeper to put us ahead.
 
Sadly the lead didn't last too long as a strong run and finish from the Blackham number 10 drew the sides level again.
 
The half finished at 2-2 and although we were disappointed to have conceded 2 goals we knew that with the wind in our favour we had a good opportunity to score more goals in the second period.
 
That is exactly how it turned out and with in minutes of the re-start we had taken the lead when Mark Faulkner scored from close range.
 
Although the conditions weren't conducive to good football it was very pleasing to see us get the ball down and pass it effectively. While our hosts were limited to very little in the way of clear cut chances we were able to create a number of good opportunities at the other end.
 
Firstly Glen made the score 4-2. Andy Thomas then scored his first goal for the club with a good determined individual effort and finally Glen completed his hat-trick and a well earned 6-2 victory.
 
Blackham & Ashurst proved to be one of the better sides that we have played this year so we must take confidence in our performance. There are still a few things that we need to continue to work on but overall things are starting to take shape.
 
Next week we are back in cup action and a home fixture against Aylesford in the Tunbridge Wells Cup quarter final.