Rose & Thistle 6 v 1 Spelthorne Sports Res. - Division 2

The Sun Has Got His Hat On, A Hip Hip Hip Horray!

Team: Pickett, Conetta, Leach, Davison, Gadsen, Holman, Mike Waygood, Stu Waygood, Lindley, Miller, Allery.

Thistle approached this game knowing a win was vital to stay clear of the bottom teams in the league. With Gadsen taking on role of manager, he picked a brave attacking 4-3-3 formation (or similar to Deportivo La Coruna's 4-2-3-1 of 2001-2002). Holman and Mike Waygood as holding midfielders, allowing Stu Waygood Centre, Lindley left, and Miller right to attack whenever possible and support Allery up front. No subs as Thistle's squad was depleted...again. Mike Waygood available at late notice helped the numbers.

With the home pitch in reasonable condition the game kicked off with a swirling wind. Thistle were the first to settle in only the 3rd minute, with a quick throw from Miller to Conetta who launched a deep cross into the box, and Allery controlled the ball instantly and passed the ball into the corner of the net, 1-0 Thistle. Spelthorne to their credit, started playing some good football and moving the ball well, getting in down the left hand side and squaring the ball across the box for an easy tap in. 1-1 after 10 minutes. This sparked Thistle up a bit with Holman and Mike Waygood showing good battling in the centre of the pitch. Allery who was a constant threat, got his second midway through the half. A high long kick from Pickett in goal, was flicked on expertly by Stu Waygood into Allery's path and as he got 1-on-1 coolly slotted into the bottom corner, 2-1 Thistle. Thistle seemed to be enjoying the new formation with the midfield 3 battling well with Miller and Lindley providing good outlets on the flanks. Conetta and Gadsen also playing well in new roles at full backs, which took the pressure of Davison and Leach who also were solid and comfortable at the centre of defence. Davison's leadership a notable plus point defensively as well as Conetta standing out with some excellent play at right full back. Thistle scored a third when a ball out to the left wing found Lindley, who after winning the ball, took on the full back in the box and was duly fouled, Penalty given. Allery with the chance of a hat-trick stepped up and sent the keeper the wrong way, 3-1 Thistle. Half time came with Allery on top form getting the goals.

Half time team talk was easy for Gadsen, more of the same, utilising the space up front and keep it solid at the back.

Second half started well for Thistle with solid play from the entire back four keeping the ball and pressure deep in the Spelthorne half. A fourth goal arrived with some nice play down the left between Lindley and Gadsen. Lindley laying the ball back and Gadsen putting in a fantastic cross, with Stu Waygood and Allery in the box, but the ball made its way to the back post where Miller coolly slotted the ball into the top corner, 4-1 Thistle. There was only one team in the game now as Spelthorne heads dropped and started getting ragged. Thistle kept up the pressure and added a fifth when the Spelthorne left back under pressure from Miller, passed the ball back to his keeper who whilst being pressured by Lindley, attempted a Cryuff turn, completely missing the ball and allowing it to roll into an empty net, 5-1 Thistle. By this time the game was won, with some excellent play in the centre of midfield from Mike Waygood and Holman, providing excellent cover and breaking up the play, with Holman aka Mr Glass doing especially well and provided a presence clearly missed. Thistle pressed on and a 6th goal arrived in the closing moments, and what a goal it was. More good interplay down the left from a Davison free kick found Gadsen who swung a cross into the area. Allery, lurking around the penalty spot unmarked, shaped for a scissor kick, and as the crowd of 16 people held its breath, he struck a sweet volley into the bottom corner, 6-1 Thistle. An early contender for goal of the season, and one which would have not been out of place in professional football!

Thistle ran down the clock with a few minor chances being missed by Miller, Stu Waygood and Allery again, but saw out a comfortable 6-1 win. Good performances all round as every player did well, with Allery taking the plaudits with 4 goals and also a collective effort from defence and keeper to limit Spelthorne to so few chances.
 

M.O.M - Allery, 4 well taken goals including a breathtaking 4th. Worked hard all game... welcome back Dan!