Pelham Short Again

<p>Casuals and Pelham were once again short on performance but most importantly players. The away side were still challenging for promotion but even the possibility of that wasn't enough to draw players to the game on Sunday. Although they done the seemingly impossible last weekend beating Hatfield Heath 3-0 with 9 men, this would be a completely different task. White Roding were better opposition and in form, as well as the warm conditions looking like they would take their toll on the away side. Pelham started the game disciplined and stayed tight working hard. However after 10 minutes or so you could tell the heat was taking an effect, and although Pelham kept their shape well they were slowly but surely allowing White Roding more time on the ball. That eventually showed and the home side took the lead after around 10/15 minutes. It was a Pelham side that had not played together too much over the season and the lack of understanding and communication compared to last week eventually would seriously cost the away side. Roding doubled their lead around the half hour mark, again similar to the first, not enough intensity from Pelham letting the opposition do as they please. This game was going to go one of two ways, and the half time team talk was about making sure it didnt go the wrong way for Pelham. The next goal was vital and Pelham needed to step it up and work much harder. However some of the team seemed in post season mode and the intensity and work rate had completely gone from last weekend. White Roding deservedly added to their two goal lead, and in the second half they want on to score two more, making it 4-0 with around 10 minutes left. The rest of the game played itself out and a sorry looking Pelham were well and truly beat. Not the end to the season we wanted and the fact that with three games left we could have won the league is the disappointing bit. A squad of 23 available for this season, yet we couldn't get a full 11 out for the last 2 games! Pelham will be sorting their squad out very early next season and making sure we have enough cover!!! First season back in Division 1 and we finished a mid table 4th. Not too bad but there were definitely missed opportunities to finish higher which will be the aim for next season. We are so close to having a fantastic squad, but we just need that consistency that little bit more. New faces will be bought in this summer (and some old) to spice things up a little and progress the squad once again, but rest up for the next couple of months before we get back into a serious pre-season for next year!