This weeks fixture saw us make the short trip to Leigh and the picturesque surroundings of the village green. With our host currently occupying a mid-table position in the league and having picked up a few decent results recently we knew that we were going to be in for a tough match.
 
Back into this weeks squad came Peter Hart, who had returned from injury, and Paul Herbert who had missed the last couple of games as he was away in France competing in the men's downhill! Unfortunately Mike Bowen was missing due to work commitments.
 
We lined up today with J Faulkner in goal. A back four of Bridges, Hart, Chambers and Tamplin. M Faulkner, Herbert, Rosier and Tuema made up the midfield, with Warner and Thomas re-united in attack. Subs this week were Hunt, Piscina and Poore.
 
The early exchanges were fairly even as both sides came to terms with the un-even playing surface. Although both sides had a fair bit of possession no one was able to create any clear cut chances. Unlike the previous couple of weeks we took a long time to get into our stride and but for a decent save from James, at the feet of the Leigh attacker, we could of found ourselves a goal behind.
 
The playing surface wasn't conducive to the type of football that we know we are capable of and this appeared to frustrate us for much of the first half. It was very difficult to get the ball down and play a passing game which meant that our best chances were created from long balls forward, or by errors by the Leigh defenders. In fact is was from a speculative punt forward from James which helped to break the deadlock. As James' goal kick was lofted over the head of the Leigh left back, his brother Marc raced onto the ball and dispatched a terrific volley from 35 yards which had the home keeper beaten all ends up.
 
This was the kick up the backside that we needed to spur us into life and the rest of the half was played out with us having the lions share in possession and rarely being troubled when we didn't. Unfortunately although we had countless chances to extend our lead we never took them. Both Glen and Rosie missed decent opportunities to score, while Paul and Martin had long range efforts which just failed to hit the target. However just as it looked like we would only turn round at half time with a one goal league, some good pressing high up the pitch resulted in the Leigh skipper putting through his own net.
 
With a two goal lead we knew that we had to be the team to score first in the second half. The team talk on the break was for us to continue to concentrate and make sure that we took our chances when they presented themselves. We also spoke about getting the ball forward as quickly as possible, even if that meant ignoring all that we have been preaching so far this year. However with conditions as they were we knew that if we were able to turn the Leigh defence and make them play facing their own goal we would cause them problems.
 
The second 45 started just the same as the first, with both sides scrapping to get a foothold on the ball and thankfully for us we were the team who managed to get the break and increase our lead when Bomber scored his first of the game with a neat finish.
 
Leigh were starting to enjoy a bit more possession in the second half but they never really threatened the goal, other than a few long range efforts. We were struggling to control the game and were giving away the ball far too easily. However we did increase our lead further when Bomber kept his composure to score his second.
 
Soon after Leon and Sticky came on to replace Paul and Bomber, and for a period this seemed to unsettle us. A probing ball forward into the Invicta penalty from the Leigh midfield, resulted in referee Garcia awarding a harsh penalty to the hosts, after Daz was adjudged to have fouled the Leigh striker. Refereeing Invicta for the fourth time this year Manuel had no hesitation in pointing to the spot when it looked like the Invicta skipper got a good piece of the ball. Full back Bridges also felt that the Leigh player had made the most of the situation and had no hesitation in awarding him 5.8 for the 'dive'!!!
 
The resulting penalty was calmly dispatched, although James was somewhat unlucky in keeping it out, as the ball squirmed under his body.
 
Our response was good. From the resulting kick off the ball was played out down the Invicta right and as the cross came in Glen fired home to restore our 4 goal lead.
 
There was still time for us to score a 6th as Glen once again cooly found the net from close range.
 
All in all a decent performance on a difficult pitch. We weren't at our best today but we dug in and got a result. Another game played and another 3 points so there isn't too much to get despondent about. We all know what we need to do each week to keep improving, but the proof of the pudding is in the eating. Next week is another fixture and one where we will need to up our game once again if we are to come away with 3 points.
 
Our next match is away to Southborough Reserves.