Here are some words. Heart. Desire. Tenacity. Brave. Teamwork. Spirit. Passion. Attitude. Yesterday's performance was all of those and more. When you support the perennial underdogs in the division, the player's have to give their all to challenge the so-called better sides in the league, and credit should be given to all previous managers, coaches and players that this is Concord's 9th consecutive season at this level.
Searchy and the coaching staff couldn't have asked for a harder test on the opening day of the season, then to play the favourites for promotion, or you could say that you couldn't have asked for a better test. No better way to prove yourselves then playing the best.
The talk before the game in the stands, was that we were apprehensive, that Dorking side on paper is strong. Proven players at this level, and players with experience in the leagues above. "As long as we play well", "Not expecting much today." Once the game got underway and after a period of time, the growing conclusion was that whilst Dorking had plenty of the ball, they weren't necessarily threatening and when they did find themselves in good positions their final ball was poor. All the time Concord were gaining in confidence, maybe I'm not giving the team credit they may have been confident beforehand, but as the match progressed you could see our players grow in confidence. Whilst the confidence grew on the pitch, so it did in the stands, talk turned of maybe us getting a point...you can never be too confident!!
Everyone reading this knows what happened in the second half, with Dorking coming out a bit livelier, and Concord hung on in their for that initial ten minute burst. Concord then started winning possession further up the pitch and started threatening, and creating really good goal-scoring chances...which weren't taken. Dorking were still a threat, and special mention should go to young Myles Roberts on loan from Watford, who was dominant with crosses in the box, and looks an exceptional shot-stopper. We've been blessed with very good goalkeepers over the years at Concord, and Myles looks to add to that list. Obviously Myles big moment would come later in the half.
I mentioned Lamar Reynolds in last week's blog, and for me he was lively again this week. When I had watched Lamar in previous season's maybe his head would drop in matches, but yesterday he was constantly looking to take his full back on, and his direct approach gained a deserved penalty. In a summer of missed penalties, a few of us couldn't watch as Temi stepped up. We needn't have worried it was an excellently taken spot kick.
Dorking pressed with 5 minutes to go, and they won themselves a penalty. Regarding the penalty, to quote Arsene Wenger "I didn't see it", but the Dorking players lined up for a free kick outside the box, and were equally surprised when the referee pointed to the spot. Concord didn't deserve this late kick in the bollocks, and thanks to Myles Roberts superb save and excellent all-round defending on the follow-up Concord weren't denied. It was heart-warming to see all ten outfield players go and celebrate with the keeper. That's the team-spirit showing through. The Concord DNA. It's been passed onto another group of players.
It really was an excellent team performance yesterday, and all the players deserve mention, however I'd just like to single out a couple. Arron Pollock was a real leader yesterday. He headed and blocked everything, whilst also being a threat in the opposition box. A captain's performance. I'd been encouraged by Ryan Blackman's performance against Maldon the week before, but could he do it against higher quality players. I needn't have worried. He covered every blade of grass, much like another Blackman who had played for the club, and Ryan's passing was excellent throughout.
Obviously this season will have ups and downs like any other, but beating Dorking at home in the first game is a great start and puts the club and fans in a positive mind-set for matches ahead!
YAMC!
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