A disappointing result at home to Ridgewaye Sweepers. We had control of the game from very early on, and were encamped in the opposition half for much of the first half, but the finishing didn't match the quality of the approach play.
We were denied what looked a clear penalty when Chris Newble was tripped. With thirty minutes played Ridgewaye caught us on the break and scored the game's opening goal.
We somehow managed to go further behind in the first minute of the second half, but we Chris Newbury got us back in the game with a powerful shot. Chris Phillips, who had replaced fellow new boy Ross McCarter at half-time, made a strong run down the right wing, leading to a goal by Chris Newble with ten minutes remaining.
Having worked hard to get back into the game, we went behind once more when a Ridgewaye forward got to a through ball before Jamie Hards. He had an excellent game, but is sometimes too hesitant coming off his line.
Although we created more chances, Ridgewaye took more of their chances. Profligate finishing against Cranbrook wasn't costly, but it was this week. There were some great performances. Tom Ryan and Martin Hill look like the best defensive partnership around, and Dan Tester didn't let anyone down filling in at left back. Both the new boys made encouraging debuts, and Chris Newble was very lively up front, but man-of-the-match was Nick Edwards for his best all-round performance for the team so far. |