Match Report: Claygate Royals v Under 12 Corinthians: 2 - 2 Away Draw (League)
Match Date: | Sun 20/10/2013 |
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Played: | Claygate Royals (Away) |
Result: | 2 - 2 |
Match Type: | League |
Man of the match: | Monty Black |
Match Report
Ashtead eventually find a Reason to Believe
After a couple of games that had The Corinthians putting in good performances but not getting results, this week they had a below par performance but earned their first point of the season with a late equaliser.
Ashtead started in positive mood but could not get any pattern to their play and the first exchanges were very scrappy. George Bartlett and Ashtead Captain Fraser Swan were unlucky not to score with strong breaks from midfield but there was a lack of belief in the Ashtead play and Claygate began to put some attacks together. One attack led to a defensive mishap and Ashtead found themselves a goal down. The game continued in this scrappy fashion and another mishap led to a second Claygate goal. This success spurred Claygate on and Joe Young in the Ashtead goal had to make several good saves to keep the score down. Ashtead finally began to sort the defence out and Monty Black led the way by putting in some strong challenges and crucial clearances. The half ended 2-0 and the travelling Ashtead support could only hope their team had a stronger second half.
The early exchanges after the break were again fairly scrappy but Ashtead got stronger and stronger and looked determined to get back in the game. Monty stayed in control in defence and limited Claygate to one real chance, a 1-on-1 that Joe bravely dealt with. Owen Thompson-Smith was linking the play to keep Ashtead on the attack and they won a series of corners. George Bartlett swung these in with great accuracy and Guy Francis was desperately unlucky when a flying header just missed. Guy had great impact in a defensive midfield role and was instrumental in keeping the Claygate left winger quiet. The chances kept coming and Max Parris was unlucky when a thumping shot was turned away by the Claygate keeper. Adam Thornton did well when dropping back with some determined defending as did Dylan Williams – both these players have started the season very well and look hugely improved on last year.
Fraser took over in defence and made some great tackles as Ashtead went to a 2-3-3 formation but thee game entered the last 5 minutes with Ashtead still 2 down and they urgently needed something to happen. It duly did when James Gaffney won the ball in midfield, played a clever pass to George who went past the left back with ease and hit a cross shot that was parried by the keeper straight to Oscar Power who scored from close in…game on! This was just reward for Oscar as his determination to get into the box capped another energetic display. The Ashtead crowd urged their boys on and were rewarded in fine style in the last minute. An Ashtead throw on the half way line led to Max and George putting into practice a move they had worked on in training and this led to George having a free run to goal to score with a cool finish. A great moment for the Ashtead coaching team to see the boys take a drill from the training ground into a game with spectacular success. The game finished shortly after with honours even.
With 2 late goals, this draw felt like a win and there were certainly positives for Ashtead; they kept going when not playing well and played the last 10 minutes with great intensity. However, they need to start games as they finish them and believe in their ability more…..but this was a game they would have lost last season and the equalising goal was definitely worth the wait.
Ashtead Man of the Match
Monty Black – when the going got tough in the first half, Monty got going..! Another solid performance and his no nonsense approach was just what was needed to steady the Ashtead ship. He followed his pre match instructions to the letter.....Well done Monty!
Lines from the Laser
We were lucky to get a draw this week. We started that game a bit like we were going in to buy lollies from a sweet shop. If we'd played like we did the week before, we'd have smashed that game! Second halves are usually our strong point but this week it was the second half of the second half that we got stuck in. Training is going to be really important from now on..!