There is not a lot to say about this game from Ringmer’s perspective except they let themselves down as the lost 3-0 away to Little Common (LC). On paper, the squad looked able to do the job but that is as far as they got. Except for a few exceptions such as Jesse who gives a footballers impression of the terminator, you know, the android that walks through fire gets blown up and ends up with a small tear in his leather jacket. The reserve team definitely have a mental block with teams they perceive are not as strong as those at the top, they beat Redhill, nearly beat Peacehaven yet don’t show up at Bexhill and now Little Common. Shake this block off, treat every team with respect as if they lead the division and they could do something.
Whilst the pitch was good underfoot; the surface was never going to be good for Ringmer for their short passing game. Little Common played a long ball game and the Ringmer defence never looked comfortable as time after time they struggled to clear or were nearly caught on the break. Throughout the team there was a lack of communication, lethargy, lost touch and subdued reaction. This allowed Little Common to perform above their league position, they were quicker, prepared to work hard and took the win.
Ringmer had the kick off towards the clubhouse and the remainder of the afternoon sun. Despite this they started briskly with a couple of early efforts for Ryan Betsworth from distance.
However it was only ten minutes after the start when a weakly contested midfield ball allowed Little Common to break down their left and curl the ball wide of Matt’s diving left (1-0).
Shortly before half time, Mike had an excellent chance but hit the Little Common upright after he had side stepped the keeper. Half time came with LC going in 1-0 up and Ringmer contemplating change.
At the restart, Ben was replaced by Ryan Moore who started at left midfield, Luis B moved to left back, Woody paired with Jesse in the back and Amro moved to right midfield.
LC started the second half with urgency, pinning Ringmer in the last quarter. 10 minutes after the restart, Ryan B left the field to be replaced by Rob up front, the captain’s armband passed to Lewis Clarkson. 5 minutes later, Lewis was set up by Mike for an opportunity which was unfortunately saved by the LC keeper.
On 70 minutes, LC broke with speed without challenge down the Ringmer right to finish with a toe poke past the stranded Matt (2-0).
5 minutes later, Rob chipped a ball through to Mike whose lob finished narrowly left of the upright.
At 85 minutes, Richard was brought on for Amro in direct swap on the right of midfield. Shortly after Mike supplied Lewis with an opportunity which he firmly struck narrowly over the crossbar.
Just before full time some overly confident play between the backline gifted LC with their third and final goal (3-0).
The last Ringmer effort fell to Richard whose shot hit the LC left upright.
Final score 3-0 to LC with 4 yellow cards for Ringmer highlighting the frustration felt by all, especially those in the dugout.