Following a fantastic 4-1 victory at Marske United in Evo-Stik East, here are three things we learned from our trip to the coast:
1 Liam Henderson was running on festive cheer.
After a Christmas Day celebrated how it should be, Liam Henderson turned up at Marske, casually netted the perfect hat-trick – left foot, right foot and header – before leaving with the match ball. It was a display which reminded everyone just how much of a threat Henderson is up front as he took his goals tally to 9 with three decisive strikes, including a third goal which was all about technique as he volleyed in a shot off the underside of the bar. The two centre-backs didn’t know what to do with him by the end.
2 Wayne Phillips was a man possessed.
Covering every blade of grass at Mount Pleasant, captain Wayne Phillips was a man possessed as he set about winning the midfield battle for his side. It proved invaluable as it allowed the likes of David Carson and Ben Sayer the time and space to create which in turn saw Liam Henderson and Sean Taylor benefit.
3 When the team clicks, there’s few who can stop them.
What stood out most wasn’t necessarily Henderson’s hat-trick, Taylor’s finish or the midfield taking control of the game, but it was in fact the team performance. Well drilled, well balanced and filled with motivation and drive, the Highwaymen controlled and guided what was on paper one of the toughest trips of the season in their favour. Not one player underperformed, not one allowed standards to drop as every single player won their individual battles leading a team display to be proud of.
