We had to take a bit of a bath in the first SESL group game. Dont like doing it, but it was best fot the group stage overall and for the season. Happily we then responded with convincing 5-0 and 2-0 victories in the following games. 2 to go and nice as they arent on the same day, so we can plan accordingly. A result against Clyde tomorrow and we can relax, and thats what we will be going for. As usual the SESL group stages have also been good to get some minutes across the squad and importantly young GK Heston Granger has got some positive minutes under his belt and looks like coming into the 2nd half of the season as a reliable option. Looks like he could be a useful player next season and a future star. 

Its difficult to ignore that we have the visit of MOT in the league after the SESL campaign. Some think MOT have got the league title in the bag (And we are some of those people), but a change in fortune can happen at any time, so we ware working through the tactic bank for that one already. After that every game will matter as 3rd still feels a relaistic target for the season. 

It was a busy week. 

1. The first game against Raith was tough! 7th best T11 in the division, but you wouldnt have known - James mmeant business and fielded a very strong side - one that would compete with any team (and they paid for a home bonus). Frustrating as he clearly wanted to stop us hitting 3 games with a clean sheet. Our sponsors were in the stands for this game and it took every bit of effort fromt he full team to keep RR out for 90 mins. But we knew what we had to do - this could have been our only chance to secure this seasons sponsor payout - we fielded our best lineup possible and battled for every minute - we will be 400k richer at the end of the season - well worth the fight. Although it did mean we couldnt find a way to score and win the game - 0-0. 

2. Two away games in a week is always tough, but this game gave some light relief. STJ are still in the relegation zone, but i just cant see it staying that way, not with this squad. We faced a forward line of SL 38, 38, 29 in the game - but our back line is one of the strongest in SESL and we managed to keep their golas down to 1. While at the other end we were having a great day in front of goal - 6 shots, 6 on target, 5 goals. You cant complain when the SESL gods work alongside you. This meant a 4 point session and another MVP and a captains bonus - all desperately needed as we try to bring the clubs finances out of the mire. 

3. The shape of the squad has changed a lot this week. Connor Young spent an intensive week with the clubs coaching staff and it has worked wonders. You CAN teach an old dog new tricks. His new found skill just helps suppor the forward line through to the end of the season. However, MSA has ripped through the team like a nighmare this season. We dont have the oldest team in SESL. but a lot of our most skille dplayers are on the experienced side. Haiti, it appears has completely lost the ability to kick a ball. Assuming he doesnt improve over the coming weeks, he will likely be looking to exit the club (even if he doesnt know this yet). 

4. Now we turn to the SESL cup - We will use these games to reset, but we absolutely want to move forward in the SESL cup, so managing and rotating this squad might be tough. 

The coaching staff have submitted a holiday request for the end of the season. Now they are working with a smaller group of players. Its expected they will finish some plans with Wolf (SW) and Blondie (UT) and then knock it on the head for the season, before drawing up plans for next year.