Our last 5 league defeats had all been followed by a win in the next game, but after Saturday's late collapse against Billericay this was a step backwards. A flat, error ridden performance that could easily have resulted in a heavier defeat. It was our 4th game in 9 days (Carshalton had an extra day's rest after playing on Friday, while neither they nor Billericay had played last Tuesday) and we just looked to be running on empty.
We could have been behind after barely 60 seconds when an unmarked forward missed a chance that looked easier to score, and we were hanging on for most of a goalless first half before mustering a few chances of our own shortly before the break.
I expected us to be more competitive in the second half, but Carshalton took the lead when a tackle inside the box sent the ball away from goal, only for a forward to lash a ferocious shot high into the net from an angle. We never looked like equalising after that. Constable missed taking an overhit indirect free kick above his head, conceding a needless corner, and the next deadball delivery was headed home by an unmarked opponent from the edge of the six yard box. The third goal was an embarrassing mix up between Chambers and Constable, as our keeper advanced too far to receive a backpass that rolled past him into the net.
Our recent wins have owed much to tactical discipline and restricting our opponents to few real chances, but we were nowhere near that level today against an attractive and cohesive footballing side with some useful individuals, including three who have worn our colours. Dom Vose, playing against us for the third different opponents this season after stints with Hastings and Margate, found the time and speed to use his undoubted technical skills. Aaron Jones in goal seemed more troubled by a niggling leg injury that twice required treatment from the physio than by our attacking play. One time pre-season triallist Lexus Beeden ("the Japanese Mercedes") looked swift and sound at centre back.
The 4 teams already occupying the play-off places behind Hornchurch all won, so even a win for ourselves would have been of limited value with only 4 games left and several rivals having at least one game in hand.
I just hope we can regroup in time to give a good account of ourselves at home to Enfield on saturday, before we conclude the season with trips to Canvey Island and Folkestone, then Cray at home on the final day.
