This game sums up the reserves season: injured or missing players meant a new signing in Tom Smith and old Catholic players Mike Gerrard (who had not played in the season) being drafted into the team.
As in previous weeks everyone slotted in well and patiently waited for their opportunities when they were not called into the starting line up. Catholic dominated the first half with Blakey crossing for Joe Young to loop a header over the keeper, and he then sent Greg in behind the defence on the left to fire into the corner with a well taken goal.
At no stage during the first half did we look like conceding and with Boosey, behind the defence of Tom Smith, Hunty, Robbo, Moley (Adam Mayhew) midfield of Ronnie, Blakey and Roachy and front line of Ryan, Joe and Greg in the same 4-3-3 formation that had brought us a 5-0 success the previous week, we created a number of 1/2 chances that could have made the score even greater then 2-0 by the interval. Unfortunately Dan and Robbo's words of warning of concentrating for the next 45 and starting the second half positively didn't leave the changing room and we proceeded to have a crazy 10 minute spell where we conceded two sloppy goals and let Southend Sports back into the game.
Regaining our composure along with some tactical changes and replacement of tiring players brought the game back into our control and only last gasp defending on the line from a Robbo header and a pin ball machine finish after a long throw into the box with Sports finally managing to get the ball away, stopped us gaining the win.
The result means we drop a place to 4th in the league and highlights even more that when we get a comfortable lead and are playing well that we need to be confident in our own abilities and kill off teams that are not as good as us. Of course having a settled starting line up , enough players to fill the bench and getting others back from injury (special thanks to James Warder who eased his injury concerns with a half running the line) can only strengthen our position and if the commitment is right and support is given, the season should still be a very productive and winning one.
Team: Boosey
Smith Hunt Roberts Mayhew
Bridges Blake Roche
Whiteman Young Sands

McNamara
Gerrard
Warder