Falcons put in one of their best performances of the season to defeat Titans XXL 4-1 in Barnes.
We welcomed back Andrew from Australia to take his place at centre half while Matt filled in the void at leftback and Abdul came in at rightback. Alex dropped to the bench with continuing injury niggles.
With Titans setting up with a narrow 3-5-2 formation, Falcons tried to exploit space down the wings and to press the three-man defence high up the pitch. This nearly resulted in a very early goal - Pete lunging in at the far post but the shot hitting the upright.
Brady, Jimmy and Paddy were to be a dominating trio in midfield throughout and it was headers from the latter two which set up the opening goal. A very swift interchanges of headers and passes released Olu and his low shot beat the goalkeeper at his near post to make it 1-0.
One became two not long after and it was Olu again with the goal. Abdul drove down the right wing and an energetic burst from Kieran saw him overlap and send a low cross into the six yard box where the striker made no mistake.
Duncan, Pete and Jimmy all had further chances to extend the scoreline and a dipping volley from Olu just went over but the scoreline remained 2-0 in a super first half display.
As with the pre-match teamtalk, there wasn't a great deal to say at half time except more of the same please.
Our shooting boots went missing early in the second half as Paddy missed from close range while Olu missed two chances to wrap up a hat trick. However, Olu turned provider for the third goal, chipping the ball beautifully over the Titans defence and allowing Pete to dink a delicate shot over the onrushing goalkeeper to make it 3-0.
Jimmy and Brady both had further chances before Matt had both teams in hysterics with an optimistic shout to his winger to run on to a ball he booted straight out for a goal kick.
Sadly, we blotted our copybook by conceding with ten minutes to go, Ollie having a free header to glance in from a corner. However, the scoreline had a more realistic look when Alex - on as substitute - latched on to a bad touch in the final minute, sprinted through the Titans half and finished confidently to seal the result at 4-1.
This was a really enjoyable game to play in, with strong performances from everyone in the squad. Special mention must go to the midfield three who dominated the contest, as well as Kieran who put in a very energetic display at rightback.
We now have a five week break before we take on the two Titans teams in April, followed by a final game of the season against Romans at a date to be confirmed. Well done all!
Squad: Conal, Kieran, Duncan, Andrew, Matt, Jimmy, Brady, Paddy, Pete (Alex 75), Abdul, Olu
Unused Sub: Jack
Scorers: Olu (15, 25), Pete (55), Alex (90)