Another good run out against former colleagues.
As we all know, pre-season is about getting some minutes into the legs, getting used to having the ball at your feet and improving the fitness level, game by game.
However, whilst the result in isolation is not important, especially when you have 20/25 players available on the day to keep happy, and therefore, numerous changes of personnel are made during the 3 x 30 minute periods, it is nicer to win than lose and any victory does boost the confidence as we hurtle towards the start of the season.
The match itself was a competitive affair, played at a good pace initially and in good spirit throughout, with the referee hardly blowing his whistle throughout the three periods, this resulted in a game which saw the Crows largely dominate and to play some neat football in large chunks.
The first period was probably the most keenly contested of the three, as both sides sought to gain control and possession of the ball and thus gain the upper hand in the match overall.
It became quite clear early on that the Crows seemed to have better cohesion as a unit and were a bit sharper than their visitors in all areas, this may be because this was our third pre-season friendly and this may have been their first, I have to say I don't know that answer to that question but it was the Crows who played the football during this period.
It was very much "one-way traffic" for much of the first 30 minutes and chances came and went and the watching spectators must have been wondering when and if the Crows would score. Eventually though, a corner from the left was met by Kevin Everest at the back post and he headed the ball into the net practically unopposed.
1-0 was no more than the Crows deserved at the first break and despite many personnel changes, the second period carried on it much the same way, the Crows dominating the midfield, looking resilient at the back and inventive up front, although a lack of what one might call a "killer instinct" may be a cause for concern for the Crow's management team due to the number of chances created but not taken.
Therefore, we reached the end of the second period with the score at still 1-0 to the Crows and again, changes in personnel were made with some returning who had played the first period, some staying on and some coming on for the first time.
The third period was perhaps the slowest paced period of the whole game, whether this was down to the fine, hot weather or the changes to the players, one can only speculate but it seemed more like a training match than a pre-season fixture in the end.
However, eventually, the Crows did make it 2-0, Wayne Clarke went on one of his jinking runs, beating two defenders, rounding the 'keeper before putting the ball into the empty net. It was just reward for the Crows as a unit that they scored the second goal as their play over the 90 minutes fully warranted a larger than 1-0 win.
Overall, the pattern of play from the Crows was good, the communication and understanding of where players were was excellent, passing was accurate and the movement throughout the side was also good, despite the number of changes made.
If, perhaps, there is one area the Crows may be concerned about, is the number of chances created but not taken and went begging through the game.
With the defence looking particularly strong, the midfield looking very efficient and effective both in a defensive and an attacking role, it is only the forward area which is yet to catch alight, however, I'm sure that will happen soon with the players we have at our disposal and then we can really all look forward to season 2015/16.
The club would like to say 'thank you' to Hassocks for visiting us and we hope they have a successful season in the Southern Combination Football League, the new name for what was the Sussex County Football League.
Next Saturday, 25th July, the Crows entertain Eastbourne Town which will be played on the outside pitch, kicking off at 2:00pm.