The A Team opened up their league campaign with a hard-fought point at home to West Byfleet Albion. Despite the pre-match problems with availability Weysiders managed to field a strong team, giving a debut to Sim Chawatama - on loan from the Reserves - at right back and then later Tom Gleason, who showed promise coming off the bench.
In a game of few clear-cut chances, played on a hard pitch and in very hot weather, both sides really cancelled each other out. Weysiders probably had the better of the chances in the first half, where set pieces caused Byfleet all sorts of problems and Weysiders just failed to convert on a number of occasions, with Luke Holt and Ben Spencer going close. Indeed after 10 minutes Weysiders probably should have been two goals up. Byfleet themselves looked dangerous from corners and did hit the bar in the first half but in general the game was an attritional one with neither defence giving much away and both midfields hassling and harrying all afternoon, not allowing anybody space and time on the ball.The second half was equally as tight and while Weysiders went close through Alex Foley, Byfleet were unable to break down a determined Weysiders back four and were forced into playing long balls forward or throwing crosses into the box, all of which were dealt with relatively comfortably by the home defence.
In the end a draw was probably a fair result, though Weysiders could perhaps feel unlucky not to have taken one of the chances that did come their way. Praise goes to the entire team who worked so hard all afternoon, and whose enthusiasm, effort and committment never wavered. This was a solid start to the season though with a number of plus points that can be taken into the next game.
Manager's man of the match: Simon Blay.
Team: Kelvin Charles, Sim Chawatama, Luke Holt, Paul Martin, Simon Blay, Kevin Barrow, Dom De Piano, Ben Spencer, Alex Foley, Roly Hockin, James Martin. Subs used: Tom Gleason. Scorers: None. Form: WWLDD