An away trip to the newly promoted Royal Sun Alliance proved to be a rude awakening for the Borough 2s. We’re a relatively new squad together, with a lot of great additions to the club, but we’re still learning how to play as a team and lacking that consistent squad week in, week out, and realistically could have done with another week or two of preseason. RSA on the other hand were a well-oiled machine and showed this from the off.
The game started and immediately we were under pressure, RSA employing the high press against us which we didn’t quite seem ready for. Our touch wasn’t quite there, and RSA were able to win the ball constantly high up.
That being said, the early chances came to Borough with breakaways on the counter, and then some good pressure from Scott on the right led to their defence playing an awkward ball across the box which was quickly pounced on by Connor. A great chance, but hit just over the bar. On reflection (the oppo had filmed the game) there was a square ball on to Tito in the middle, but realistically you have to back yourself in those situations.
Unfortunately, after this, it was all RSA. They had pacey wingers and midfielders breaking through the ranks, and we weren’t there yet as a team yet to make sure all areas were covered, so it was no surprise we were 2-0 down at half time. An unfortunate own goal from Balchin, and then a neat finish from their winger.
Half time team talk was to calm the ship, ensure we didn’t get at each other’s necks, and get the passing game going again, and in fairness that’s exactly how the lads responded. We were seeing an even share of the ball, but a missed pass and RSA pounced, and within a couple of moves their midfielder ran through clean on goal and put the ball between Belge’s legs.
Shortly after this, RSA added another goal and they were sailing. The last 15-20 minutes was relatively even, but our fitness was not there to be able to get anything out of the game, and RSA added one more to their tally from a fine long-range effort. Full-time.
As said, a rude awakening to the league, 2 losses in a row now and a tough game coming up against HAC 2s in the cup. Steadying the ship after relegation is proving to be more difficult than planned, but I still believe we have the quality in the club to do well this season.