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Town’s 4th XI tumbled out of the Millennium Cup (previously known as the Romford & District League Three Cup) despite a spirited display at Northend A.  The 0-3 scoreline was a credit to the struggling east London side who conceded after 10 seconds of each half, yet despite this, produced a display that made you proud to wear the Town blue.

They only had eleven, included Richie Shephard in midfield, had Jason Richardson in goal and faced opposition in the top half of the table.  Yet still they were undaunted.

Ginger’s introduction to the team was meant to provide some stability.  Instead, they only got ballast as the fat man struggled to get out of the centre circle.  Nevertheless, his passing was always going to help.  Wrong again, as it was his misplaced pass that contributed to Town’s woes as Northend took a very quick lead.

From the initial kick off, Ginger’s poor pass went straight to the opposition.  Their quick flurry forward produced a speculative shot that Richardson could have saved with his arse or his elbow.  Unfortunately, he doesn’t which is which and his attempted kick only found air.  One-nil to Northend.  From the re-start, Shephard again gave the ball away and had to thank some poor home finishing to stay just the goal behind.

Dan Bishop started the game really well, closing down the opposition all over the pitch but his inability to remember his name was proving costly.  Time and again he called “I’ve got” much to the chagrin of his team mates.  Nevertheless he worked tirelessly.

Town began to get a grip in the game, thanks to the effort of their wide men.  Jason Croney probed tirelessly down the left while Manuel, Town’s Italian Stallion, was responsible for their best attacks.  Italy has produced great players over the years like Paolo Maldini, Dino Zoff and Allesandro Del Pierro but Town have ended up with Manuel.  Football life just isn’t fair.

One break led to Town’s first real chance.  Manuel’s excellent centre caused havoc in the Northend box and as Ross Thompson and Terry Gulliver pressured the keeper into a smart save.  The ricochet fell kindly to Ginger, however, his goal bound effort was cleared off the line.  Northend broke quickly and almost scored on the counter.

Shortly afterwards, Town’s deficit had doubled.  Good wing play saw Lee Thompson beat at left back but Town still had chances to clear as the cross was over hit.  As Gilbert pressured the winger from right back, a hopeful shot ended up in the net off the hapless Richardson, who stopped a certain throw-on.

Town redoubled their efforts but had the excellent defensive partnership of Steve Gevaux and Nick Cresswell to ensure that they remained in the game, as they continued to put their bodies (in Cresswell’s case, considerable) on the line.  The half end 2-0 but it was the overworked Town who were more grateful to hear the whistle.

Despite a feeling of togetherness, the second half began in the worst possible way as Town conceded from the kick-off.  Northend’s excellent number nine (too good for this standard) finishing off a flowing move.  At 3-0 and only 46 minutes on the clock, the writing was already on the wall but much to their credit, Town dug in.

A few half-chances came and went Town’s way but it was Northend who always looked likeliest to score.  Richardson and Shephard improved on their first half performances (which didn’t take much) which helped but it was defensively where all Town’s best work was being done.  Poor finishing and last ditch tackling ensured that the game ended 0-3 but Town will be pleased that they competed for the full ninety minutes.

Richardson will be delighted he has a performance to build on but will be fully aware that he needs a goalkeeper.  They say that Jason looks like Jordan’s disabled son, Harvey.  Today he played like him.

Men-of-the-match:  Steve Gevaux and Nick Cresswell.  Top class displays from the two centre-halves.  Without them it would have been far worse.