Going into the holiday period with our final league match of the year, we wanted a win to put pressure on our rivals to catch us. Along with that, maybe the elusive clean sheet....? We managed one of these challenges......

Coming "out of the blocks" has probably never been one of our strongest points. Today, for once, we put our opponents under so much early pressure that we should have been out of sight by half time. As it turned out, another close range finish from George and a goal from AJ against a very hesitant defence gave us a lovely cushion. Having had a few chances earlier, it was only a matter of time until AJ would knock one in and we were to see a good variety of them later in the match.

This was a much improved performance all round from all and we played as a team. Come the end of the season, goal difference may play a part. So to win by such a margin was an added bonus. After the break, AJ scored from close range and then from an improvised corner which appeared to be going nowhere, a lovely shot from the angle of the penalty area went in at the far post for his hat-trick. In between those two, our opponents pulled one back but this would not affect the result.

Oli came on for George, just for extra legs in midfield, and it paid dividends almost immediately. A short run and a lovely through ball for AJ to run on to from the sub, gave AJ time to spot the 'keeper off his line and chip into an empty net for 5-1. Maidenhead then nicked a second goal, before AJ chased another through ball, rounded the 'keeper and only just poked the ball over the line before sliding off the pitch a bit too close to the post for comfort. 5 goals in one game, all of different quality, but all well taken and deserved for his efforts.

All over the pitch there were good performances from all. However, David won Man of the Match for the work on the left flank. Working well with Ells, Maidenhead were unable to cope with the pace and strength in this area and it created so much early on. The midfield worked really hard throughout until legs tired but this did not detract from an important victory. Myles made a great save, tipping a shot over the bar late on and Kurt and Ross were solid at the back but the goals conceded should really have been cleared from corners.

Results elsewhere are unknown currently but ours certainly puts the pressure on the other teams to win their matches in hand.