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28 Oct 2007: Pembury 4:8 Grasshoppers October 31, 2007

Posted by editor in : Uncategorized , trackback

This is the first match report, which has been prepared by request after someone saw the reports on the U16 page.  Hopefully they will become a regular feature and provide a bit of a record of the season as it progresses.

 

Sunday’s game away at Pembury was played in appalling conditions, with driving rain and a strong cold wind.  Pembury were a big side, with several of their players having come to the game straight from seeing their own sons play in the younger age group.  When the captains met for the toss, the ref had to lift Cian up so he could shake hands.  I know Cian isn’t the tallest player, but this was ridiculous.

 

We started the game at a distinct disadvantage, as we were missing Danny in goal, plus also no Oskar, who was having his toenails manicured.  Danny was apparently away on a cruise, although it’s not clear whether anyone has told him that the

Isle of Wight ferry isn’t really a cruise ship.  But no matter, step in Harrison, who proceeded to show everyone why he plays at left back.

 

Grasshoppers started the game strongly, using the 4-3-3 formation favoured by

Chelsea .  But Pembury were no

Man City and we had to work very hard to break them down.  Cian and Tom worked really well together down the right and not to be left out, Max and Cian conducted an outrageous series on one-twos down the right before Max crossed.

 

Harry, Taylor and Connor up front caused the Pembury defence all kinds of problems and Robert, playing wide left, was very effective, both staying wide and cutting inside.  Even though we were playing against the wind in the first half, we stormed into a 3-0 lead within the first 20 minutes.

 

One of the goals will need to be referred to the dubious goals panel, as Cian’s shot was brilliantly turned onto the bar by the keeper, with Robert heading the rebound into the empty net.  But did the ball cross the line as it bounced down?  Only Robert knows, and he isn’t saying!

 

Towards the end of the first half Pembury started to put us under pressure and got 2 goals back.  Up until then Thomas and Nick had dealt with everything, and of course nothing gets past Max, but a few lapses in concentration and hey presto- two goals conceded.

 

In the second half, Tom Clift went in goal and

Harrison went into his normal position at the back, with Harry dropping back into midfield.  Toby Aldred, stepping up from the year below, also came on and did well. 

 

We were always comfortable and in control of the game, with four more goals and Cian hitting the woodwork AGAIN, before finally getting his reward and failing to miss after taking the ball round the keeper.

 

Goals for Robert (3), Connor (2), Harry (2) and Cian.  Special mentions for Nick, who was strong in defence, Robert with an excellent performance, Harry who did especially well in midfield and Connor, who had his best game for Grasshoppers having discovered the joys of passing!  But for his all round contribution and hard work, Keith awarded the MoM to Cian, who led the team by example.

 

As with the U-16s, we will also make an award each week for Completely Redundant Awful Play (CRAP for short).  This will go to the player who does the most stupid, unlucky, or otherwise deserving thing that week.  This could be missing an open goal, or arguing with the ref, or scoring an own goal- you get the idea!  The idea is that the person who wins the CRAP award gets to clean the boots of the MoM in time for the following week’s game.  The inaugural CRAP award for this team goes to—Michael.  Sorry Mike, but you know why!!

 

Well done guys for a great performance in really difficult conditions.

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