Saturday 19th March 2022 saw us play host to division one side Churt in the Under 14s Division League Bowl Competition. It was a beautiful morning and the pitch looked in great condition when we arrived at Frimley Lodge park Pitch 5.
The boys arrived and were in good spirits after another good two training sessions in midweek. We tried something slightly different this week and decided to have a talk before the warm up. We went through the starting 11 and team shape then spoke individually to each player and what we wanted to see from that position. Finally we spoke about there being no pressure at all to win this game and we wanted them to go and enjoy the challenge ahead. The only thing we asked to see was hard work from every player who stepped onto the pitched.
The game kicked off and straight away Churt were looking to press us really quick. This was something we will need to get used to if we want to climb up the leagues. For the first 10 minutes we were pinned into our own half with Churt enjoying most of the possession. They worked out defence hard and they showed great character and resistance in limiting court to a handful of half chances. Harvey made a great high save in the first two minutes and continued to show great communication and give good information to the boys in front of him. The Churt press being so good we barely had time on the ball and couldn’t play our normal game, we had to adapt and we looked to have found a break through in a counter attack which saw freddie break free and 1 on 1 with the keeper the court defence recovered well and saw freddie pushed out wide. The first half saw a good battle but Churt looking the most likely to score by being more physical and quicker to press they were enjoying the most possession. The pressing certainly affected us we seemed to panic at times and we weren’t getting the connection on the passes or strikes we would normally see. Half way through we started to have a bit more joy and started to step up and match them physically. The game went back and fourth both trying to get control of the game to create a chance for the opener. Half time arrived and it was 0-0 with both teams knowing they were in a battle.
We spoke to the boys asked them what they needed to do. Stay calm….move the ball quick was the answer. Where and what were we doing to get success….balls over the top to turn them over was our best way forward. We agreed Churts pressing was very good and we needed to adapt our normal style.
The second half started and Churt again started well, putting us under pressure every chance they got. We were working hard though and dealing with the pressure well. Trying to find a way out and create a chance. On 45 minutes Court picked up the ball in midfield and their number 12 dribbled forward and delivered a teasing ball into the box it missed every one apart from one of there forwards who headed downwards and towards goal, out of nowhere Harvey spread himself and made an amazing save to put it behind for a corner. Harvey again showing how good he really is. From the resulting corner Churt got it into the box and the ball was headed up into the air as it dropped A Churt player went for the audacious and attempted an overhead kick getting his rewards and scoring the first goal of the game. It was a piece of individual brilliance and all you could do was stand an applaud a goal like that.
After the goal the boys went for it throwing every ounce of energy they had to try and create a chance to score, the back line holding firm Fraser sweeping anything that came his way. We created a few chances but we just could find that bit of composure to finish our chances. The boys were working so hard and they were getting the better of a team in the division above. Churt were getting frustrated and doing everything they could to disrupt us. Showing their dissatisfaction at some of the refs decisions. A moment in the game showed us how important it is to remember the shin pads a loose ball on the left hand side Finn went in for a 50/50 both boys went in fully committed with Finn winning the ball, Finn continued down the line and into the box and tried to get the ball across the box he collapsed to the floor holding his leg. I ran on as there the ref stopped the game. Finn took his shin pad out and it had snapped through the middle. The challenge even though not malicious would of been a foul had we not had the advantage explained the ref.
We continued to push for an equaliser creating a couple more half chances but just couldn’t find that finishing touch. The game finished and Churt paid us the ultimate compliment with the way their players celebrated at the end. The boys came off frustrated and disappointed not to get anything from the game. They worked their socks off and deserved something from a well fought and physical game. We’ve had a taste of what it’s like a step up and the boys want more of the same next season. We have work to do things to learn from but something that never fails to amaze me is how amazingly hard they work not only for us but themselves and their team mates. The way they conduct themselves on the pitch is something to be proud of and they make us proud every week. Even players who weren’t playing came and supported the team and a potential new player showed up and supported the boys from the side. Were building something special with a special group of players and were excited to see where this journey will take us.
Simon Ormston
