Match Report: Hart Barbarians v Under 12 Corinthians: 6 - 1 Away Loss (League)
Match Date: | Sun 17/11/2013 |
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Played: | Hart Barbarians (Away) |
Result: | 1 - 6 |
Match Type: | League |
Man of the match: | Owen Thompson-Smith |
Match Report
Spirited Ashtead make hungry Hart work for victory
Ashtead made a Hart team who were hungry for goals work hard for victory in this well contested game.
The Corinthians did get off to their customary slow start and found themselves a goal down within a few minutes. However, as is also customary, they worked hard as the game went on and finished the second half by scoring the game’s best goal.
Hart started with great intent and attacked relentlessly through the first half. Monty Black and Peter Boardman in the Ashtead defence had to dig in to prevent the game getting completely away: Monty making several emphatic clearances and Peter didn’t back out of one challenge and frequently came out the winner. it was backs to the wall stuff for much of the half with Hart winning a number of corners but Owen Thompson-Smith , helping out in defence, cleared these with a series of brave headers. Owen was also unlucky at the other end with a smart turn and shot from distance that forced the Hart keeper into a good save – Owen was having his best game of the season. Despite the best efforts of the Ashtead defence the constant Hart attacks led to 2 more goals and the half finished 3-0.
The second half saw a much better display from The Corinthians and they were led into battle wonderfully by their captain Fraser Swan who stepped up to show the way with some determined tackling in midfield and he was supported by Guy Francis who almost scored with after a lung busting run from midfield. Ashtead forward George Bartlett followed this example and tracked back almost the entire length of the pitch to stop a Hart attack. Adam Thornton in defence was also sticking to his job despite facing a very good Hart winger and never gave up despite the pressure he was under. Joe Young in the Ashtead goal made some good saves, one fingertip-round-the-post was particularly impressive but he was unable to prevent 3 goals in a strong spell from Hart that saw Fraser making a fine goal line clearance.
6-0 down but not out and Ashtead decided enough was enough and used the last 15 minutes to take the game to the Hart defence. Max Parris looked busy and resolute in midfield and his and Peters attacking throw-ins began to create some threatening situations. Fraser began carrying the ball forward with some purpose and pushed the Hart boys onto the back foot and Owen was again unlucky with a dipping long shot. Finally, Oscar Power came forward with his trademark energy, broke through 2 tackles and crossed towards George and Max lurking dangerously in the Hart box. The ball broke to George on the edge of the area and he took a touch with his left foot to control and fired an unstoppable shot in with his right…..this was a well-deserved moment for the Ashtead boys for their second half efforts.
The game ended shortly after with a well-earned victory for Hart but with a lot of credit for Ashtead as they never gave up and finished the game strongly. They need to work harder to start games as they finish them but there are definite signs that this team can hold their own in this league.
Ashtead Man of the Match
Owen Thompson-Smith – despite a fantastic display from Fraser this week the award deservedly goes to Owen as he came storming back into form with a performance that included some dogged defending, eye catching shooting and clever link up play. His Personal Coach should be very pleased with the progress..! Well Done O…!