Under 9's C

Ashtead Colts C (ACC) were looking forward to this match. After a string of tough games, ACC would play one of only two teams below them in the division.  The Saxons had beaten us earlier in the league, but it had been close and the Colts had put in some good displays in recently friendly matches.    A first league win for 2012 would be just the start the lads needed for the second half of the campaign.

But signs were ominous; the Saxons had upset the form book by beating Bookham the week before; half the pitch was on a steep incline; and there was no café in sight!

From the first whistle it was clear that the Saxons had moved up a level.   Even running up hill they looked comfortable on the ball, tackled hard and blocked passes well.  Fortunately, solid defensive work from Alex and JoJo meant they rarely threatened our goal. The Colts looked dangerous on the break, with John and Lucas pushing forward through the middle.  And it paid off.  Daniel managed to create some space on the right and fired in a beautiful shot which skidded in under the bar.  

The one goal lead energized the Colts.  But an attacking move from the Saxons on the left wing saw them fizz in a shot, which James, diving full stretch across the face in goal, did superbly to keep out.   And the resulting goal kick saw the Colts pour forward.  Daniel crossed from the right which went over the Saxon’s defence but was just too long for Lucas.  With the Colts committed forward, the Saxons launched the ball up field.  An unkind bounce fell to their attacker, who ran in on goal to make it 1-1.

Going uphill in the second half was never going to be easy.  Fresh legs in Ollie and George C and George B came on and the first five minutes were an exciting and even battle when either side could have scored.   But the Saxons enjoyed the run of the ball down the slope and, with their impressive No10 as the engine, they began to dominate.   Sul played deeper and did fantastically well to break up their attack play.. And when they did get through, James pulled of a series of fantastic saves that impressed both sets of supporters.   But there was nothing he could do to stop a powerful right wing shot from their No10.  Having put themselves 2-1 in front, the Saxons grew in confidence and in space of a few minutes added three more. 

The Colts worked hard against a team whose performance on the day belied their league position.  Sul and James deservedly earned the Man of the Match awards.  The Colts have effort and spirit in abundance, they just need to match that with some width in their play, better discipline in their positioning and less ball chasing.