Match Report: Under 13 Corinthians v Sheerwater: 2 - 1 Home Win (League)
Match Date: | Sun 22/03/2015 |
---|---|
Played: | Sheerwater (Home) |
Result: | 2 - 1 |
Match Type: | League |
Man of the match: | Owen Thompson-Smith |
Match Report
Sometimes……
Sometimes a game of U13 football becomes a true triumph; sometimes players can rise above the odds that are stacked against them; sometimes that group of players get the reward that they deserve; sometimes…and today was one of those times.
This was the second game this season that Ashtead have won in late drama but the context of this win, playing the top of the league side with no subs, made it something special. The fact that their 2 goals were absolutely top class was the icing on the cake.
Injuries and unavailable players left Ashtead with only 11 players but they set off at an alarming pace and were unlucky when first Guy Francis and then George Bartlett forced the keeper into good saves. Sheerwater responded well and took an early lead when Ashtead didn’t clear a corner and their captain hit an unstoppable shot into the top corner. This could have been the point for Sheerwater to take control but the Ashtead back four stopped that happening. Max Parris on the right and centre back Alex Sealey stuck to their guns well and both looked comfortable making tackles and clearances that kept Sheerwater at bay; Alex’s centre back partner was Peter Boardman who needed to be at his combative best to protect the Ashtead goal (and his combative best is very good..!). Jamie Young was an emergency left back but settled in quickly and his intelligent reading of the game helped him stay one step ahead of his opponent.
The game was pretty even but Ashtead were carving out the best chances and keeping the Sheerwater attacks to long shots and hopeful punts. When the ball did break through then Ashtead’s Sweeper Keeper, Joe Young easily dealt with it even if he did give the Ashtead management team and supporters heart attacks with his bold runs from goal..! 1-0 at halftime to the visitors but drama to come.....
The second half was as good a half as Ashtead has (probably) ever played. Owen Thompson-Smith, standing in as captain was marshalling the defensive side of the midfield well and this allowed James Moore to pick up where he left off last week and drive forward to support the Ashtead attacks. George on the left and James “Gaffers” Gaffney on the right were causing the league leaders all sorts of trouble as was Adam Thornton who almost scored with a sharp volley from a George cross (a shame there wasn’t a player called Victoria). Ashtead kept up the pressure and were in control of the game with 6 minutes left when Guy set off down the left, was pushed wide by the defender but hit an exocet of a cross that was met with a thumping header by Gaffers into the top of the net....Gaffers has an undoubted sense of the dramatic but this fantastic goal took it to a new level. I’m pretty sure the Ashtead management team would have settled for a draw but not the Corinthians...! They went looking for a winner and were duly rewarded when George won the ball in midfield, held off a challenge and made a peach of a pass into Guy’s path that he took on and calmly slotted home. Pandemonium on the sidelines..!! The last few minutes typified the Ashtead performance as they refused to allow Sheerwater to come back and the game ended with Gaffers and George making a series of tackles on the left wing to run down the clock.
A fantastic and well deserved win for Ashtead whose back four and defensive midfielders kept the league leaders to one shot on target and whose attacking players stepped up for the second week running to put their opponents under pressure. They should use this game as the yardstick of what they can achieve with effort and determination and the ambition and belief to go and get some corking goals..!
Player of the Week
Owen Thompson Smith – best game of the season for Owen with a very brave performance as the CDM, taking hits for the team but standing up and running the defence by deed and vocally encouraging his team mates. He almost scored with a half chance as well..!
Lionheart Award
The Corinthians – a full blooded, energetic game from all 11 players. Come on you Ashtead..!!