SSEES’ good start stunted

The smooth start to the campaign for SSEES’ 1sts is no more. After two wins in their opening two matches, SSEES firstly came undone against LSE 4ths at Shenley on Wednesday, with a 2-2 draw. This was shortly followed with a 5-2 collapse to the same university’s 2nds squad.

The first LSE encounter was full of flair and style, with SSEES looking very comfortable, being on their home patch for the first time this season. Passes were sticking, the control was neat and the breakthrough came as a deep cross into the box ricocheted before falling to the ever-reliant Matt Thomas, who lashed home into the top corner. 1-0, and SSEES were looking comfortable and on their way to extending their good run.

Not for the first time this season, the message at half time was one of caution against complacency. Knowing the rivalry between the two schools, the second half promised to be more competitive than the first. Immediately, SSEES, and Tom Sleep in particular, were caught off guard by the blustery Watford winds. A free kick on the half way line presented no immediate danger but a mammoth kick from the LSE full back saw the ball fly straight over the outstretched Sleep in goal.

It was harsh on SSEES but there was still plenty of time to reassert the dominance they were showing in the first half. Filippo scored in his second consecutive match to restore the lead and once again SSEES were on their way. However, with the clock winding down, a stray shot from the LSE midfield deflected off Joe Jackson and fell perfectly to their frontman. He made no mistake in sliding it home to crush the home team.

2-2 on reflection may prove to be a very good result, but the manner of the final goal left SSEES ruing two points dropped.

Another away day followed, against the same opposition’s 2nds team. A much sterner challenge affronted SSEES at the whimsically named Berrylands. Immediately, the full scale of the challenge hit the Bloomsbury boys with two quick goals giving LSE a comfortable lead.

The character of the team was tested and they did well to pull a goal back before the break – Kelvin Anyaoku managed to finish after some brilliant individual skill. SSEES, with the goal as encouragement, looked strong and passed the ball crisply despite being the underdogs in this affair (a knock-on effect of the newly formed LUSL).

The gulf in class did eventually show however, with another spurt of goals – this time three without reply – finally putting SSEES to bed. Filippo managed a late consolation, a boon for the player himself, but SSEES will be disappointed with the large margin of victory. A testing week for this team, but the matches after reading week will give them a real chance to show their very early season form is the template for success this year.