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GPR 1 Hillingdon Abbotts 3

The Salads were hit with a bit of a reality check as our unbeaten streak came crashing down against an excellent Hillingdon Abbotts side, whose performance was too much to resist and left us a little deflated after a solid pre-season. Our thanks go to Man United for keeping our spirits up in this time.

Hillingdon flew out the gate, pushing high and utilising their technical wide players. The flow of the game was constantly disrupted by a bobbly pitch, but their superb midfield operators trapped the ball well and got their tactical setup moving. The first thirty minutes saw a very limited number of opportunities for either side, however, the surface and heavy wind restricting quality in the final third. With 10 minutes before the break, though, a scrappy clearance by the defence enabled their wide player to dart between two players and nestle the ball in the corner.

The second half set out similarly to the first, although we managed to add several chances early on to give us belief of a comeback. Two deep free kicks from Matty almost found their way into the back of the net, if not for a good stop by the keeper to deny on our onrushing attackers. Then a devastating counter from the opposition made it 2-0. Soon it was 3 without reply and our heads dropped a little, the result of a frustrating display and failure to convert chances.

Then Matty whipped in a phenomenal free kick from 25 yards out, and the game transformed. We finally found the intensity that had been missing from the first 75 minutes to deliver some great chances and in the end, probably got more than Hillingdon. However, powerless to stop their attacks and unable to finish our own, the game ended 3-1 to cap a disappointing opening day fixture. The performance left a lot to be desired, but we have to give full credit to a superb game by the opposition who should go far this year. Sometimes you have to hold your hands up and concede you were squarely beaten.

Onto the next, and we will look to get back to winning ways next time. Up the Bluddy Salads. 

MOTM 🤌 = Matty deserves a shout for his wonder stroke and moments of quality. Dan P also had a great runout, including a superb defensive recover when the game was tight.

DOTD 💀 = Prince, for still hanging out his arse in Streatham when the game began.