After coming from a 4-3 victory away at St Albans, the Southgate M4As team were confident going into this game with only a few changes to the squad.

The game started well with our Southgate team dominating the ball. Our midfield in Will Hargrove, with Jai Martins and Fergus Comrie either side to start the game, were off to a great start supplying the forwards with opportunities to try and strike a goal early. Unfortunately, chances created were not converted due to some great saves from the opposing team of Bishop Stortford’s goalkeeper, who denied us on multiple occasions. Strikes flew towards the goal from short corners, taken by Rich Martins and Will Hargroves, and open play. 

After 10 or so minutes of fairly Southgate-sided play, Bishop Stortford hit us on the counter. Conceding our first goal dropped a few heads and we were struck against later, with 2 successive goals before the half.

After the half, the game continued with both sides having similar position but, once again, our Southgate side having more of the ball, trying to strike back early in the second half. Unfortunately, we were hit early in the second half from another counter attack catching us off guard. Ending up 4-0 down with a long way to go. 

With around 10 or so minutes to go we struck back. Having moved to left back, Sohan Dhana received the ball outside the 25 from Will. He drove into the ‘D’ and fired a shot into the keepers pads. The keeper dived to stop the strike and Kyle Shah was there on the rebound to scoop it over the goalie into a gaping net.

Towards the end of the game a few cards were given out, due to frustration from the players. Sohan took 2 cards bringing us down to 10 for the final few minutes of the game. Will also received 1. It was a well fought battle which we deserved to win, but we weren’t clinical enough in the end when it came down to that final third, unlike the Bishop Stortford frontline. 

Despite all this our team fought until the last dying seconds.

We left knowing that we all put forward our best efforts and despite the score line were supposedly the better side in the match.

MOTM was given to Sajiv Saha who had a standout game at right back, patrolling that right sideline, defending brilliantly and linking up with Kyle and Jai to create many chances. Other votes were given to Jai Martins(2), and Kyle Shah(2).

Hopefully the mighty 4As team will bounce back next game and go back to winning ways.