When we get things right we are more than a match for any team in this division. Tonight.. we got things right. In an open game, full of chances, challenges, passion and drama we saw a very vivid reminder of the quality we have within our ranks.
Tom Dettmar restored to the starting lineup covered more ground tonight than he had appeared to all season so far. Holland continues to impress in the middle. Harrison is returning to his twinkle toed best. Marksy is working as hard as he ever has. Benno is back on song. The side just looks solid and hard working with the ability to work openings and with a dash of flair thrown in. For those that made the trip this was a glorious spectacle.
Heybridge started fast, they were gunning for top spot in the division and had pace to burn. We weren't rocked back however and fought fire with fire. We didn't have the pace of the aptly named Swifts but we had guile and movement, overlapping runs and tenaciousness.
In all honesty we should have had the lead by the end of the first half. Sean Marks on another day could have had a first half hat trick. One cute header that glanced just wide, another that he just got under and the third, well, we all know that it should have been buried. It came back off the post and was cleared but it was as good a headed chance as you will see. Hey, it happens. Marksy was proving a handful, he just didn't get the goal that would have capped off a fine personal performance.
You hope after you finish the half on top that you can carry on in similar vein after the break and for a few minutes we were pushed back by Heybridge again who once more started fast but within the opening 15 minutes of the half Swifts keeper, and ex Sudbury player Luca Collins, had to make 3 fantastic saves to deny Holland, Bennett and Harrison. It then came as no surprise when we did take the lead eventually. Harrison rifling home a rising drive from the edge of the box that left Collins grasping thin air. Celebrate much??? I think we did.
It was no more than we deserved. Although we did still fashion a few more chances after that, the tide slowly turned and defensively we had to be very alert. Late on a long range drive cannoned off our cross bar and there was a goalmouth scramble in the dying seconds but we were worthy of the points on the night. We were strong, organised and worked so hard for each other all night. Joe Whight hobbled off at the end after making a block deep into stoppage time.. i think that summed up the night. We all stood to be counted. There is no room for complacency within this team now. Nobody can simply go through the motions. Long may it continue. Love it!