So Max, how was the game from your point of view?

Yes, there’s lots to take from the game and learn from, which is exactly what pre-season is all about. It’s always great to get out onto the pitch after a couple of weeks on the training ground – and training has been great. I thought Richmond & Kew competed really well, especially as a newly promoted side into Step 7. They gave us a proper test, and with it being 1–1 for so long, it really felt like a competitive match.

Obviously, our relentless energy and movement in possession late on wore them down a bit and helped us secure a 5–1 win in the end. The chances we maybe missed in the first half were taken in the second.

Any standout moments that caught your eye?

It was nice for Tom Collins to get the opening goal. We’ve brought him in to score goals, so I was pleased to see his first shot on target hit the back of the net.

I also have to mention our second goal – Niall Stilwell’s strike was a real belter from 30 yards out, and the keeper could only parry it into the net.

The theme of the day was to be good on the ball, create quality chances, and be effective and exciting in the attacking third. We definitely saw glimpses of that, with certain players linking up and starting to build relationships on the pitch.

What’s next?

Hopefully the players will rest and recover properly, and we come away with no major injuries. We now move on to a different challenge with a friendly against Cray Valley on Wednesday evening at Cobham FC, kick-off at 19:45. It’ll be an interesting benchmark for us as our pre-season continues – hope to see you there!