We started slowly, with Tongham on top during the opening 10 minutes. The hosts settled into the game quicker than us and put us under some early pressure, but we stayed organised, weathered the storm and gradually began to find our feet.

As the half progressed, we started to grow into the game and create opportunities of our own. In the 23rd minute, we felt we should have been awarded a clear penalty when Ethan Hilton was brought down inside the area. Despite our appeals, the referee waved play on and we had to put the decision behind us.

Rather than letting it frustrate us, we kept pushing — and just before half-time we got our reward.

In the 43rd minute, Ethan Hilton found the breakthrough with a wonderful strike from 25 yards, making sure his name was on the scoresheet after being denied the chance from the spot earlier in the half. It was a huge goal at a crucial time and sent us into the break with the lead.

The second half was all about character. Tongham pushed hard to get themselves back into the game, but we battled and battled. Every challenge mattered, every loose ball was contested and, when we needed to dig deep, we did exactly that. Ben Bond and Reg Denyer were quality in midfield and their contribution went along way in helping us earn our 2nd win of the season.

It wasn’t always pretty, but away from home sometimes you have to roll your sleeves up and find a way to get the job done. We showed plenty of determination and togetherness to protect our advantage, right through to the final whistle.

A hard-fought performance at Poyle Road and, on the balance of the game, a win we thoroughly deserved.

Three points on the road and a proper team performance.

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