On Saturday 5th March we played host to Camberley Town U14 rascals in the League bowl. With the fixture being a reversal as the council made the early decision to close all council pitches we were able to play over at the wicket we call deep cut. With the league done for us we are now involved in the league bowl. It was an early start setting up the goals but the morning was showing great playing conditions, sun in the sky, a light breeze and a flat pitch where we could zip the ball about. A huge thank you to our parents who support us brilliantly and showed once again by turning down the chance of a cafe run to help with the goals.
The boys looked really sharp in the warm up and were focused with the task at hand. Today we had decided to try a new formation with three at the back and two wing backs. With this it meant some of the boys were dealing with a new challenge positionally. The game started and we instantly tried to play on the slick surface and in the first couple of minutes we played the ball into the box and the ball was played back to the goalkeeper who mis timed his kick and the ball bounced and bobbled up causing a scramble on the goal line between goalkeeper, defender and Josh who managed to poke the ball into the back of the net 1-0.
We continued to play the ball around and when we didn’t have the ball we were trying to press quickly. The press was to get our next goal with Reece putting pressure on their full back who passed it back to their goalkeeper who unfortunately mis-kicked the ball and the ball ended up their goal to make it 2-0. We were controlling the game keeping the ball well but it wasn’t all plain sailing as the Camberley team showed plenty of desire to try and hit us on the counter attack. Their front players were particularly difficult to play against not always pressing from the front and trying to win the ball high up the pitch for them. The presented our back 3 and goalkeeper a challenge as we want to try and play out from the back. Through out the first half we had several chances to score from corners or a free kick with Jack delivering the ball superbly every time he got the chance. We were really starting to play the ball and show some great combinations through the middle of the pitch coming close to scoring. Before the half ending we were to score a 3rd with a calm finish from Ethan who again showing how hard he I working at being more composed in front of goal. We went in at half time 3-0 to the good.
At half time we asked the boys to try and play the ball a little bit more especially when at the back. Wanting to try and encourage patient build up play. As the half go going we really started hit another gear the passing becoming even more slick and the movement on and of the ball becoming really impressive. It wasn’t long before it was 4-0 and Finn getting the first of his goals. As always Finn loves driving the ball forward with his powerful runs and he got his reward scoring early on. 4-0 up and credit to a Camberley team who were always trying to play the right way and they were still causing us concern with their front players working hard as ever to win the ball back.
We were soon 5-0 up with the next goal coming from Jack who as calm as ever made it look easy scoring the next goal. Jack a great striker of the ball with either feet. The boys weren’t finished there though and quickly scored a couple more with Finn getting his 2nd and 3rd. Finn also became provider working his way down the line several times and getting the ball into the box for Freddie to score his 1st goal making it 8-0…..Freddie was to score the 9th goal but not before hitting the post from 3 yards out which caused Jack to laugh out loud at his rival in the hunt for the golden boot. It Freddie wouldn’t have to wait long before breaking free and one on one with the goalkeeper slotted past calmly to make the game 9-0 to Complete.
It was an extremely good performance from the boys who found their ruthless streak in this game. The passing was excellent and the pressing just as impressive. But one play who stood out quietly and impressively going about their business and showing an amazing understanding of a new position. He was clever on the ball and exciting in attack and disciplined in defence which means Man of the Match was awarded to Reece Barnett who had a great game at left wing back.
Once again credit to a Camberley team who never gave up and made us fight for every goal. Our next match will see us make the step up playing Sherborne St John who are having an impressive season in division one.
Simon Ormston
