The Camberwell juggernaut came to an abrubt halt on Sunday, in a game which in all honesty we didn't deserve to win.

There was a feeling of general apathy on the part of the boys during the pre-game preparations ... almost over-confidence, and this proved to be our downfall. For a couple of weeks we, as coaches, have sensed this coming. The season has started so well, with the boys performing superbly. However, there was definite air of 'we're the best thing since sliced bread' about the team last week and this. So, perhaps this result will be the kick up the backside they need to get back on track.

So, to the game. We actually started better than we have done in previous weeks and certainly looked the most likely to score. However, on a rare break away, Hamsey took the lead with a cross being turned into our own net, 1-0. We created lots of chances but were unable to convert any of them, with the Hamsey Rangers keeper playing out of his socks. As frustration set in, the team stopped playing as a team. The usual fluid passing and team play disappeared, and instead we turned into a team of individuals. Hamsey were hungrier than us, and tenacious, shutting us down at every opportunity. Eventually we did manage to equalise, with Harry Wilcox converting with a well struck goal following a corner.

Two good things came out of this game. Firstly, our play at corners was vastly improved with the lads timing their runs to get on the end of some great set pieces. Secondly, the performance of our man of the match captain ... Tom Cornwall. Tom 'The Crunch' was immense throughout. He matched the Hamsey Rangers tenacity, and broke up some dangerous moves with some fantastic tackles. He showed great defensive discipline and his distribution throughout was excellent. Well done Tom!

Half time saw us going in with the game at 1-1. We still had the chance to turn things around. However, the downhill slope actually served to work against us as the boys clearly thought they were going to steam roller the tiring Hamsey boys. This never happened. Our team of individuals continued to queue up to 'get on the scoresheet' and the goal never materialised. In fact, while pushing forward we forgot our defensive duties and Hamsey caught us cold again, smashing home an unstoppable effort.

To say that the Hamsey goal was under siege during the last 5 minutes of the game would be an understatement. Time and time again the keeper and their defence held firm ... with Kenan, Marcus and Joseph all going close. It was not to be, and our unbeaten run was over. As I said earlier, I'm actually quite pleased we didn't get anything out of the game. Had we scraped home I don't think the boys would have learnt anything. I believe now that, by the time we play again, they will be hungry. Hungry to prove themselves and hungry to put things right. This will be the true measure of the team, and a chance for them to show us all a quality that has been a keystone to our success .... RESILIENCE!

Until then we rest, regroup, enjoy the half term break and process the lessons we have learnt ... and come out fighting.