Epsom Eagles, who have been involved with no fewer than 6 league and/or County Cups in this age group, were our opposition in the next round of the 'big prize." Working on what we believed were their weaknesses, their full backs, training had been about developing wide play and going into the game the coaching staff were confident we could do the business.
The game started at a quick pace with Epsom settling faster than us and producing a couple of early chances; one which made Adam pull off a fantastic save low at his feet. Once we settled we started to get back in the game and utilising our wide players of Ollie and Ryan and with the hard work of Callum and Tom B we created a couple of half chances ourself.
Josh Rutt then stretched for a tackle and pulled his hamstring making an early departure for Okey who settled well coming off the bench into a hard game. Epsom created a couple more half chances but our full backs - James and Harry - were playing well in order to cut the supply from the wings.
With about 10 minutes to go before half time we then took the lead when Scott played the ball to Tom B who pivoted to cut inside, playing the ball through the defence to the on running Ryan. Ryan took the ball in his stride and with one touch took it round the goalkeeper and with the other touch put it in the back of the net. Great finish Ryan.
With Epsom pushing forward to get the equaliser before half time Adam pulled off another great save when Epsom put a good move together to get through our defence. Scott B and Matt C were working over time holding the midfield and Callum was proving a great physical presence with some fantastic tackling and running with the ball.
It was a Callum run that brought us our first corner of the half just before half time. Scott flighted a great ball over and Tom B rose to head the ball into the net but the goal was disallowed for a push by Tom. Half time 1-0.
The half time chat saw Ed come on for Ryan who was feeling a knock and Karl came on in goal for Adam. The team talk was all about work rate and the will to win, little did we know what entertainment the second half would bring.
Being the more experienced team Epsom pushed wave and wave attack our way in the first 20 minutes of the second half but great defending from Harry, James, Josh O'Reilly and some fantastic tackles by Okey kept the score to 1-0. Karl pulled off a couple of great saves with about 10 minutes to go and from one of these saves we picked the ball up and broke quickly. Ed received the ball about 30 yards out and played a great ball through to Ollie who beat the defence with his pace and shot hard and low past the goalkeeper to put us 2-0 up.
Ryan came back on for Matt C and Joe M came on for Tom B. With gerat support from all the parents the boys fought for every ball and every decision. With about 5 minutes to go Epsom scored when they switched the play well and the right winger shot across Karl into the far corner giving him no chance. This made for a nervey couple of minutes but the boys held on well for a fantastic win against a very good Epsom team.
I have to say the boys were absolutely fantastic today and all deserve lots of praise. The effort was amazing and 'our little journey' is moving forward in good order. We need to wrap the players in cotton wool now as we have a few injuries to contend with so plenty of rest this week. What a brilliant game of football.
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