Match Report: Under 12 Corinthians v GPR Eagles: 2 - 9 Home Loss (Cup Match)
Match Date: | Sun 13/10/2013 |
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Played: | GPR Eagles (Home) |
Result: | 2 - 9 |
Match Type: | Cup |
Man of the match: | Joe Young & Fraser Swan |
Match Report
Ashtead Cup dreams get Lost in the Flood
A tough game for The Corinthians – a testing cup match against a team from 2 divisions above them played in a rain storm..! However, even in defeat there were positives to be taken, especially the encouraging debut of James Gaffney and the performances of Ashtead Captain Fraser Swan and goalkeeper Joe Young.
The Eagles had the best start possible when their first attack produced a goal – a fast break that left Joe no chance. They looked dangerous coming forward and their front players were causing the Ashtead defence big problems and 2 further goals came fairly quickly. Joe was standing up to the pressure though with some good saves and he was being helped by Monty Black and Dylan Williams who began to get to grips with the Eagles attackers. Monty made several no nonsense clearances that are fast becoming his trademark and Dylan kept up his recent good form with some resolute defending. Jamie Young was kept busy in midfield but looked calm in control and was unlucky with a number of probing passes. Then came the best moment of the half when Ashtead won the ball in midfield, Owen Thompson-Smith took control and cleverly played the ball into the path of a marauding Fraser who took a great first touch and slotted the ball calmly into the corner. A well-deserved first Ashtead goal for Fraser who nearly celebrated as much as his Dad on the touchline..! This was Fraser’s best showing for The Corinthians that included a fine goal, an improbable goal line clearance and some strong running in midfield, breaking tackles as he went. The Eagles responded well and attacked with purpose but despite scoring once more, found Ashtead determined to stay in touch and competing with fortitude and George Bartlett forced the Eagles keeper into a good save with a typically slick run and shot.
The second half began in the now torrential rain and with The Eagles on the attack. Once again they found Joe in dogged form and he stood up bravely (and calmly) to several 1-on-1 attacks. James was providing some good touches in midfield and looked so comfortable that it was hard to believe this was his first ever game in an outfield position – an exciting prospect for Ashtead! Guy Francis (another player who has started his Ashtead career well) started taking the game to The Eagles with some powerful runs and one run could only be stopped by a desperate foul just outside the area. George stepped up, and with the minimum of fuss smashed an unstoppable shot in off the crossbar. Quite a way to score his first goal of the season..! The game was very end to end and Ashtead continued to press with Owen linking play well and Jamie was unlucky with a speculative shot. The Eagles scored a couple of goals on their attacks but the Ashtead defence kept going and Peter Boardman responded well to a difficult first half by getting in some gritty challenges. This was possibly the best attackers Peter has faced but he never gave up and his spirit saw him finish the game on the front foot. Adam Thornton and Oscar Power also finished the game having both given determined performances. Adam played most of the game in an unfamiliar defensive role but he, along with Dylan, has shown great commitment (and some noticeable improvement) in rising to the challenge this season. Oscar played with his usual energy and one lung-busting run took him from defence to attack and back again.....the fact that this was in the last minute speaks volumes for his attitude.!
The game ended with a rather unfair looking 2-9 score but Ashtead finished the game still looking to get forward and the Eagles manager was hugely complimentary about their spirit, attitude and commitment. There will always be things to improve and work on but, result aside, this performance showed that The Corinthians are on the right track.
Ashtead Man of the Match
Joe Young & Fraser Swan – The honour is shared this week after Fraser’s marvellous performance that demonstrated real leadership qualities. He directed and encouraged his team mates right to the end. There was also that fantastic goal! Joe has started the season very well and his shot stopping and calmness under pressure was there for all to see. Well done boys!
Lines from The Laser
Great play everyone, an excellent performance against a difficult team. He weather was typically British and if we had played another 20 minutes, I could have bet the other team would have struggled. Joe played amazingly well, handling the ball in sloppy conditions. Well done everyone, especially George with his great free kick. Again.... we never give up.