14/09/2026
Glenvale Park vs Abington FC
After being bumped up several leagues, we knew this season was always going to be a different challenge.
The margins would be smaller, the opposition would be stronger and, as we found out this week, you don’t get many opportunities to switch off. Add in a few regulars missing from the squad and we knew we had our work cut out.
Despite that, we started brightly and took the lead after just six minutes.
Ore was set free behind the Abington defence and kept his composure, calmly slotting past the keeper to give us an early 1-0 lead.
Unfortunately, that lead didn’t last.
Abington began to show exactly why they’re playing at this level, putting us under increasing pressure and making it difficult for us to settle into the game. They equalised from the penalty spot on 30 minutes and, with the goal giving them a real momentum boost, they took control of the remainder of the half.
Three further goals followed before the break, leaving us 4-1 down at half-time.
We changed formation just after the break and, while the second half was still a difficult test, we grew into the game much more.
The shape gave us a better platform and we were able to compete for longer periods, create some opportunities of our own and generally give a much better account of ourselves.
We did concede another goal, but unlike the first half, we didn’t allow the game to run away from us and continued to work hard right through to the final whistle. Abington made sure there was no comeback on the cards as they spent the entire half putting us under pressure again, but we held firmed than the first half.
Full credit to Abington. They were a very well-oiled unit who clearly knew their jobs and roles, worked extremely hard for one another and punished us when opportunities presented themselves.
Ultimately, they were good value for the win and showed the level we’re now going to be competing against this season.
There are plenty of things for us to work on, particularly after a difficult first half, but the response after the break was encouraging.
We’re learning what this new level demands, and games like this are exactly how we’ll get better at meeting it.
Final Score 5-1 to Abington.