Farnborough Elite U14’s v Esher – U14’s Premier League Sunday 2 October 2011 Match report

Match report:

Farnborough Elite U14’s v Esher – U14’s Premier League Sunday 2 October 2011

After a fantastic performance in the cup last week the boys had to concentrate back to the Premier League and a tricky home match against Esher, another team in the league who were also unbeaten. This was going to prove a tricky game not only against strong opposition but with the heat which sat at 28 degrees during the warm up. The game kicked off at midday and both teams settled well with Farnborough playing the better football with chances falling to Ollie and Ryan who both just failed to hit the target. Ryan made up for this opening the scoring when Josh O’Reilly composed himself when under pressure to play a good ball to Tom B. On turning Thomas played a delightful through ball to Ryan who rounded the keeper and then whacked the ball into an empty net due to the on rushing defender. A well taken team goal to put us 1-0 to the good.

The next 10 minutes were played in the Esher half with a couple more chances being created but failing the hit the target until Dan M clipped the post with a great shot across the GK. Esher were proving to be a tough opponent and were well organised with a number of handy players in their side. We did however cope well with the heat and the controlling of their better players with some good work from Matt C, Callum, Josh Rutt and Josh O’Reilly spoiling there best play. Ollie then put us 2-0 up when Adam cleared the ball only for the Esher defence to stand and watch it land at the feet of Ollie who ran on and drilled the ball hard and low past the oncoming goal keeper will a well taken goal. James Dinsdale was creating lots of space for Ryan down the right with some good overlapping runs which led to a chance for Tom B to score with his head but the chance went wide of the target.

Esher then got themselves back in the game when Adam’s clearance landed at the feet of the Esher striker who calmly chipped the ball up and over Adam into the back of the net for a well taken goal. Half time and a 2-1 score line. The half time team talk consisted of letting the ball do the work but working hard to regain possession. The boys had a very good first half but for a bit of wayward finishing could have found themselves more goals to the good.

The second half was a battling performance from the whole team. We created chance after chance but the heat seemed to zap the energy from the players finishing boots and the scored stayed at 2-1. The boys were excellent in very tough conditions and with a bit more composure in front of goal would have been more worthy winners. Still sometimes a battling win is as rewarding as the team really gelled and worked hard for each other. A diet of water and replacing salt should have been on the agenda for after the game but the boys settled for J20 and sandwiches and cakes which I suppose is a good substitute. Well done boys and well battled.