Last week’s match did not go according to plan at all, but the warning signs were there on Saturday at training. Complacency and bad attitudes gave us a bad feeling but to be fair to Elmden they played well 1-0 to them – "Only a Mickey Mouse Cup" now we can concentrate on the league! NOT TRUE as I for one would love to have had a good cup run! So well done to Elmden good luck in the next round.

Midweek saw England play. David Beckham – every team needs one. He only has to warm up and down the touch-line and he gets a standing ovation and when he joins the battle, the whole stadium erupts – surely an inspiration to any boy involved in playing football. Team effort: as a team we are strong and play so much better when we all pull together and work hard together – so we will get our reward together.

Up to date then, Lawford the return fixture. Only played 4 League games so far and then get the same team 3 weeks later, but it is kind of nice to get this one out of the way. We beat them 5-2 at their place, so although confident we needed to make sure the boys were fully focused. A couple of players down and one carrying an ongoing injury.

Kick off and straight to work. The boys were knocking the ball round well, passing was good and we had plenty of the ball. 10 mins in, the ball went off for a goal kick – Ryan scuffed the ball jarring his groin – no substitute keeper, so the ever ready Liam who is such a good player, proved just how versatile he is, off the bench and on went the green shirt, all in the blink of an eye.

Not quite a fairytale ending, as a mix up at the back saw Liam scramble across the goal to no avail 1-0 to Lawford after 16 mins. This would test our boys now, just how would they react? With class, that’s how. A minute later Liam made a save, sprinted to the edge of the box, shouted "Jamie" and dinked a lovely ball over the top to Jamie (in acres of space) one touch and an absolute stunning ball through – pinpoint to our turbo charged striker, one-on-one BANG goal! Our regular keepers should take not of that one! A very very well worked goal, simple but effective. Well done Liam great vision, Jamie great touch, Aidan fantastic finish!

Jye, magnificent performance from you today along with Tye who always gives 100% well done. Tyler gets an assist for the next goal, only a minute after out first. A super through ball for Aidan, who looked 2nd best to get it but showed great strength to nick it off the defender and executed a terrific finish - great stuff smiles all round.

That’s how it stayed HT.

Second half, a couple of changes, some forced but that’s why you need a good squad, well balanced with players who can play in several positions. Lee – very well done today exactly what I am talking about - could play anywhere. Liam excellent well done, same with you! Calm down!

7 mins in another mis-kick followed by a defensive blunder – they equalised. So again how would we react. Back to Beckham, every team needs one and when he gets the ball it lifts the team, the masses of home support – Aidan lightening pace, tricky feet and a wicked right foot RIGHT FOOT !! Oh yes, great individual goal 3-2. 3 for you Man of the Match. Mr Capello has his eye on you – keep smiling!

That’s how it finished, you all showed great character today and played some very good football.

A couple of minor things – giving away silly free kicks in dangerous positions, not good verbal to the match officials. That will be stomped out instantly.

Overall you all played excellently today, strong at the back well done Nidal and Lewis. James another solid performance from you. Jye, contender for MoM – very well done keep it up.

As always, work hard, train hard and remember TEAM. Work as a team, for the team don’t criticise a team mate – help a team mate!

Fabio