A View From Behind The Goal: Jersey Bulls (H)

In every match day programme we have our view from behind the goal section where one of our loyal supporters shares their thoughts and insight into the ups and downs of following the mighty Blue Army!

Seasons Greetings! A big match today against a Jersey team that most of us would probably see as the team to beat in the Premier Division South. Writing this in the lead up to Alton away the current buzz amongst the fans is of course the FA Vase victory at at Tring.

It was a large contingent of away fans that made the journey up, good to see, and there was a great deal of expectation amongst us. We didn’t know too much about our opponents (although I’m sure the boss did his homework) but to be this far in the competition you know you can pretty much expect a tough game. The early lead delivered within minutes of kick off by Kai Tanner went a long way to settling any nerves behind the goal but as the game went on it became clear that both sides were very evenly matched.

This continued into the second half with the nip and tuck of goals alongside a double sin bin for the Blues taking us into a penalty shootout for glory. Thankfully it was decided that the drama would play out at our end, saving us having to decamp the flags and
peg it round the stadium. Finlay made his way down to us, he always looks so calm and you could sense the confidence amongst the Fleet fans behind his goal – it’s a little strange in a way because we don’t normally see him so close up!

A masterclass in goalkeeping followed (including a double save on a retaken penalty) alongside a perfect set of well taken penalties with the winning strike sending the away end into raptures. A mass celebration with the players ensued, it really was one of those moments at this great club that those that were there will never forget.

The heroes of the hour were not just the five players involved in the shootout but the whole squad that day, it really was a moment that the whole club, players, coaching staff, backroom staff, club officials and fans came together as one. Watching the team play with such rhythm, movement and confidence this season has been a joy, if we can carry on like this in the coming weeks then who knows where it might take us?

For now we look to today and the match here against the Jersey Bulls, welcome to them and their fans.

BLUE ARMY!!