Unfortunately this game had to be played on a junior sized pitch in the Jewish School in Kingsbury. This seemed to limit our ability to stretch Cherubs and allowed them a larger percentage of the ball than they deserved.

That said a number of missed chances set us up for this loss even though we played well as a team. The shortcomings were probably the lack of bite and quality across the midfield and the lack of anticipation and poor finishing upfront.

The defensive display was sound despite a relatively shaky start from our goalie, which was understandable after a 2month absence. The Cherubs never really looked like scoring and the 2 goals flattered the terribly. Of course when we were chasing the game they managed a couple of good shots on targets which our goalkeeper used to remind us of what he really is capable of by producing some fantastic diving saves.

We went ahead in the first half with a cracking strike from Gabriel playing wide on the right. This was in tune with the run of play as we had control of the game at that point.

The Cherubs got a lucky break through a direct free kick from the far left wing, about 25-30yards out. It was swung in right footed across the box and there appeared to be no danger until one of their forwards ran across the ball, in front of goal, distracting Jide while the ball found its way into the back of the net – untouched! Unfortunate, but that’s football, we see it happen every other weekend in the premiership. So welcome to the club Jesus House FC.

The second half we were solid but gave away too much possession and found it difficult to link between the backs and strikers through the midfield. When we succeeded, we gave them problems and created chances – chances that we missed however. Notable culprits were Kene, top striker going through a bit of a lean spell at the moment, and Gabriel who has actually been in good form and got the first goal!

In our continuing saga of bad refereeing decisions, we conceded to, what seemed like, an offside break down the inside right. The ref didn’t give it as offside and the striker got in between Niyi and Nnamdi to finish well in the face of Jide - who got down well at the strikers feet but couldn’t stop him scoring.

We changed the formation from 4-4-1-1 and went with 3 at the back, with Nnamdi pushing into midfield. We created a few more excellent chances to draw level, with the best falling to Niyi. No doubt he is still wondering how he missed that chance but again, we see it week in week out in the premiership, so who are we to think we’re any different?

An unfortunate loss but I think we’ve somehow got ourselves into the losing habit after losing a string of close games to some of the top sides. Wining gets to be a habit and so does losing. We are not playing badly but we are just not able to close games out – a bit like Tottenham (sorry Kene :o)).

I believe the tide will turn …very soon.

Nuff said.