Match Report: Under 10's B v Horsley U10 B's: 2 - 1 Home Win (League)
Match Date: | Sat 26/11/2011 |
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Played: | Horsley U10 B's (Home) |
Result: | 2 - 1 |
Match Type: | League |
Man of the match: | Max Tracey |
Match Report
Three-mendous!
Turning up at the fantastic Horsley FC ground with its many pitches was a bit daunting for the temporary management team, but the boys just wanted to get playing. It was a mid-table clash and the boys’ confidence was high. After a warm up that showed frailties in the ‘balance’ department (standing on one foot shouldn’t be that hard!), the boys were itching to get going.
The game started very much a battle in midfield with quick breaks from both teams, with Horsley getting down the flanks and Ashtead being more direct on goal. Both teams had early chances, but Horsley took advantage of another quick break which split our defence and they scored the only goals of the first half. None of the boys let their heads drop and with the mounting encouragement of the travelling fans really raised their game. Jack O, ploughed a lone furrow up front with Matteo, Ben and Bradley passing the ball through the Horsley midfield and defence, the chances would come. Still both teams pressed and along with great saves, James had to act as sweeper when the long balls from Horsley flew past Jack M and Matthew at the back. 1 - 0 Still all to play for.
The second half couldn’t come quick enough for Horsley were chomping at the bit and ready for kick off putting the pressure on Peter, but he wouldn’t be rushed. With his team-talk finished Ashtead took their positions, with Matthew now in goal and James taking his place at right back.
The second half was just like the first, lots of midfield passing and tackling, James and Jack M kept Horsley’s forwards to the flanks, the balls that did get through were bravely picked up and kicked out by Matthew. Gradually our midfield started to take control, Bradley, Matteo and Harry linked their passes together, with the best move of the day giving Matteo a sight on goal from just outside the box. Just like in practice, Matteo aimed high and to the right of the keeper, the ball even clipped the post before going in, The Boss would have been proud. 1 - 1, with Ashtead on the up.
The effort given by the teams increased, they both really wanted this one. The best phase of the Ashtead pressing game culminated with a passing move that went from side to side, ending up with Jack O receiving the ball with his back to goal. With a drop of the shoulder he turned, shot first time and the ball went under the excellent Horsley keeper, who had kept us at bay most of the game. 1 -2, the pressure was on.
Like most teams do, we started to sit back further and further and Horsley piled on the pressure. Thankfully this left gaps in their defence, which Max used to great effect by running lost balls down the channels, keeping Horsley in their own half desperately trying to get the ball off him. This gave our midfield and defence time to get their breath back. 1 – 2 Final Whistle.
Picking the MoM was very difficult because each player gave 110%. Max was picked for his intelligent running both with and without the ball and for providing a vital outlet late in the game.
A great game, with an even better result, well done boys.
Lee Merricks
(Jack M’s Dad - who will now retire from the spotlight with his 100% success rate intact)