Match Report: by Alessandro Onano

W 1:2

Goals Stevens, Christie

The final challenge of the year for the Southgate M4s was an away game at Chiswick 2. Our team, fully aware of the league’s balance, didn’t let the opponent’s league position deceive them.

Despite some initial attempts by the hosts to pressure our lads, it quickly became clear who held the upper hand. Opportunities came knocking, followed by a double advantage. Alex Christie skillfully deflected a cross from the right with the goalkeeper advancing, and Huw then converted the day’s first short corner.

A 2-0 lead seemed to promise a breezy morning for the red and blacks, but it was not to be. Southgate continued to press and threaten the opposition’s goal but struggled to capitalise, allowing Chiswick to narrow the gap with a short corner.

Despite the halftime pep talk, the M4s found themselves under siege from the home team, trapped in their own half for much of the second period. The pressure and ball possession from Chiswick, however, didn’t translate into significant risks for the defence, steered by the Huw-Andy duo, with Sam ever-reliable in clearing the few chances that came his way.

Ironically, the best chances in the end fell to Southgate, who, on the counterattack, had opportunities to inflict further damage. However, a lack of composure in the final yards and a less effective short corner than usual meant the match concluded at a nail-biting 2-1.

Despite the flawed approach to the second half, it was still a splendid three points away from home to round off a generally positive first half of the season.

Now, a few weeks of rest are in order before facing East London on January 7th.

Man of the Match: Alex Christie (defender and goalscorer!)