Recap

This matchup was more competitive than the scoreline suggests…

Carpe Assembled, the youngest side of this season’s 7-a-side South London League, showed much promise early on in the match with great energy, a good short-passing game and put pressure on Reggae Boyz from kick off. It wasn’t until a great solo counter attack from the Reggae Boyz striker that the game unravelled into a goal frenzy!

Reggae Boyz showed poise, experience and know-how in all areas of the pitch and were able to assert their dominance exhibiting patience with the ball controlling the tempo and picking their moments to play direct into the final third becoming dangerous with every possession as the game progressed.

Some questionable moments from Carpe Assembled’s goalkeeper put the tie to bed by half-time as Reggae Boyz were able to build a healthy lead. However, when looking back at the fixture, Carpe Assembled were frequently able to progress in the final third with their pass-first mentality but lacking the killer instinct to make their good work have an end action and did not test Reggae Boyz keeper frequently enough.

With Carpe Assembled chasing the game, the second half was inevitable…

Reggae Boyz showed their class in the second half with shrewd defending and applied pressure in the midfield winning the ball back in dangerous areas frequently and were devastating with each counter attack. It would be wrong to assume Reggae Boyz are a counter attacking team as they showed their possession game to be as strong as their direct play with cute interchanges in the midfield and consistently were able to get out of the high press finding the spare man.

Some dangerous play from Carpe Assembled’s goalkeeper added salt to their wounds as Reggae Boyz dispatched the resulting penalty. Carpe Assembled continue to show grit, determination and were rewarded with a consolation goal towards the end of the match.

Reggae Boyz look strong favourites and Carpe Assembled have potential.

Reggae Boyz certainly look like the most cohesive team this season and one to look out for every week. Carpe Assembled must lick their wounds fast and learn from their opening game as matches are coming thick and fast in the South London League.

See above to watch highlights from the opening fixture between Reggae Boyz and Carpe Assembled.