1-0 to the Slough!

The weather and new astro was ideal. The teams agreed to play three thirds (similar to some school hockey) instead of usual 2 halves.

Despite the Indian Gymkhana team being younger, mainly U12's, they made Slough work hard for their 1-0 win and 3 league points. Indian Gymkhana had most of the possession and showed a good display of core skills, and will be a team to watch next season.

Slough needed to score early, and they did. A great break down the right wing from Shafi lead a break away goal. Our attackers outpaced the retreating Indian Gym midfield leaving 3 Slough attackers facing one Indian Gym defender and keeper. Shafi Maqsood made a great run down the right wing, drew the defender, slipped the ball to Navidu Vithana who comfortably slotted the ball past the keeper. The goal settled Slough but invigorated Indian Gymkhana, who then played the remainder of the third in the Slough half of the pitch. Simran Panwar and Sachin Sehdev, like soldiers went into battle time and time again, frustrating the Indian Gymkhana attack, who were particularly strong down their left wing.

The second third saw Slough marking improved with possession being more equally shared between the two teams. Indian Gymkhana laid on the pressure again, winning a succession of short-corners. Goal-keeper Gujju Malhi rose to the challenge and 'hoofed' the final short corner out of the 'D'. Rohan Singh Bhandal, on his U14 debut match, played well, and made the 'pass of the match'. By good marking, Rohan intercepted an Indian Gym pass, dribbled in between 2 Indian Gym players and played a perfectly placed and positioned 'running push pass' to Navidu in the D, who was unlucky not to have kept the ball in. Jai Gill did well on his U14 debut, keeping wide and running at the defence with some early balls into the 'D'.

The final third saw a 'charged up' Indian Gym with a 'do or die' approach. This last third was a very physical affair, with many desperate challengers and at times body checks. Gujju, dominated the 'D' with save after save. Ben Harris's strength up front gave him an identical opportunity to the first goal, but his shot just went wide of the post. Players were getting tired and more and yet more determined. Slough looked very good on the 'break' and were unlucky not to have extended the lead. James Dixon's strong and accurate slap hits to the forwards were a delight to see.

All-in-all a good and resiliant performance from Slough. Considering that many of our players had not played a competitive match before this season, the U14 team are playing well as a team. In general, Slough need to improve on core skills, staying in position and letting the ball do the work versus dribbling in and out of trouble. In summary, a good performance from a team that is developing fast, well done! A win is a win! Good to see U12 players, Ben, Rohan and Jai looking very comfortable at this age group.