Match Report: Chertsey Town Whites v Under 11 Rovers: 2 - 2 AET 5 - 3 on penalties Away Loss (Cup Match)
Match Date: | Sun 18/11/2012 |
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Played: | Chertsey Town Whites (Away) |
Result: | 2 - 2 |
Match Type: | Cup |
Man of the match: | Nick Young |
Match Report
Penalty shoot out heartache!
The Rovers exited the Cup in style with a thrilling encounter against a Division 1 side. On a sunny morning we started brightly against a side playing offside on the half way line to limit the space for us to play in. Max broke the deadlock with a good run and strike to register his 9th goal of the season and we went into half time playing well. The second half saw our opponents camp in our half for long periods with the defence performing exceptionally well to limit Chertsey to half chances. Eventually the pressure told and they equalised. Still we continued to carry a threat on the break, but after a clearance fell to one of their strikers he lofted the ball over Jack O from distance with minutes to go to take the lead. Our heads could have dropped at this point, but we plugged away and supersub Jack G sparked joy for the travelling supporters when he raced down the left and beat the keeper with a smart shot.
Extra time passed with both teams going for the win, but it was not to be and the shoot out started. Let me say how much I admire all of the players who volunteered to take the penalties, plus Bradley for facing them. It takes courage to put your hand up when you are feeling nervous and they all stepped up for the team. Suffice to say it wasn't to be and we lost 3-1, with Jack O scoring an excellent penalty, our only goal.
What pleased me most was the commitment all of the team displayed and the way they handled everything with extra time and penalties and conducted themselves at the end. To see Chertsey racing round like they had won the lottery could not have been easy and proves two things; 1) they were mightily relieved to have got through a tie where they knew they had a real match on their hands and 2) what a fantastic bunch of children we have who at the age of 10 or 11 (and in the case of Jack - 9) faced up and shook their hands with no complaints or tears and were rightly proud of their efforts. Well done all of you.
MOTM - Nick Young. It was a day where we had to defend with real commitment and spirit throughout the team and I thought they all played well, but Nick Young stood out for me with his tackling and heading and determination not to get beat.