Match Report: Addiscombe Raiders v Under 17's: 2 - 3 Away Win (League)
| Match Date: | Sun 13/03/2011 |
|---|---|
| Played: | Addiscombe Raiders (Away) |
| Result: | 3 - 2 |
| Match Type: | League |
| Man of the match: | All the lot of them |
Match Report
The U17s clinched the Div 1 Championship with a dramatic 3-2 at Addiscombe Raiders. Needing a victory to be out of reach of 2nd place Reigate, the colts knew this would be a tough game against 3rd place Raiders, having shared the points in the first encounter earlier in the season. Still with a statistical chance of the title the Raiders were full of confidence coming off the back of 4 straight wins and without a defeat since November.
The game was evenly contested from the start with both defences in control but it was the Colts who made the breakthrough when Jamie Cook skipped pass his fullback and squared for David Andrews to fire home from close range giving the keeper no chance. Within minutes the Raiders caught the colts on the break and a last ditch tackle by Mark Hortop was harshly adjudged a free kick by the referee, who brandished a yellow card. The free kick took a wicked deflection leaving keeper Josh Martin wrong footed and trickled in the corner. All square at half time despite a couple of chances at either end.
The second half saw the colts push forward for the win and they deservedly took the lead when a defence splitting pass from Jamie Cook was perfect for Adam Bouhali to slot past the keeper. With nothing to lose, the Raiders pushed forward and only an outstanding save by keeper Josh Martin preserved the lead. The game seemed in control when Jamie Cook completed his third assist, squaring across goal for substitute Ethan Royal to scrabble home. With ten minutes to go the Raiders got back in the game when David Andrews was adjudged to have fouled in the box and the penalty was converted. The Raiders despiration for an equaliser reached fever pitch and a very late challenge on keeper Marttin saw the Raiders attacker see a straight red card from the ref.
The colts saw out the final 5 mins to claim the 3 pts and the championship. A well deserved reward for a hard season and rightly celebrated at the final whistle! Well done and congratulations to all!