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Match Report |
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The sun was shining as we arrived at Banstead Athletic Football Club for this Division 2/3/4 Cup Final. The boys were urged to soak up the atmosphere of the day and make the most of playing in a nice ground and using the changing rooms. We seemed fairly relaxed and confident in the warm up and all that was asked of the boys was to enjoy the game and try and pass the ball. We lined up with George in goal and Joe, Pat and Luke at the back. Elliot was on the right and Josh on the left with Áedán and James in the centre. Ollie started behind Federico and Adam. The boys were led out onto the pitch and the game was underway. It was clear from the start that if cups were awarded to the noisier fans NPL would have won easily as the support was much louder than Horley and we hoped this would spur the boys on. Both teams looked nervy and the game took a while to settle down. Horley were strong as we expected but we were looking dangerous whenever we put the ball behind the Horley defence as Federico was working his socks off trying to get a break through. We won a number of corners which enabled us to try our slightly different routine that we practiced at training and it nearly came off as we caused problems in the Horley penalty area. After about 15 minutes we were dealt a blow as the Horley winger got away down the right wing and played a high looping ball to the back post. Nobody is totally sure if it went straight in or if it was touched at the back post but either way it was a goal and a very unfortunate way to go behind in the cup final. 1v0 Horley. We now looked rattled and were taking far too many touches when we had the ball. Horley were showing us how to play by playing 2 touch football and as a result scored a second with a high looping shot. This was a real killer blow. 2v0 Horley. We still tried to get a goal back and again looked most dangerous when Federico had the ball and he so nearly got in down the left but was again denied by the Horley defence. The half time whistle went and the boys trudged off to the changing rooms. At half times, the boys needed geeing up. A few of them looked like they had lost the game already and needed to start being positive. We needed to take less touches of the ball and have faith in our team-mates rather than try and beat the whole opposition by themselves. With a number of things sorted and Matt brought on for Josh with Elliot moving to the left and Pat to the right we seemed to have renewed optimism that we could get back into the game. The half started and we looked much stronger and more positive. We created a number of half chances and suddenly Horley looked vulnerable. Joe was probably having his best game of the season as the big pitch meant that he was seeing a lot of the ball at sweeper and he did not put a foot wrong. Áedán in centre midfield was now winning everything and driving the team forward. However a few boys were still taking too many touches and we were losing the ball. After 6 minutes we had something to celebrate. A cross in from the right found Elliot arriving late at the back post and he made no mistake in striking the ball past the keeper. 2v1 Horley and we were now well and truly back in the cup final. The support now got louder with the “NPL Barmy Army” definitely creating an atmosphere with their songs and chants! Freddie was brought on for Adam but Horley were now looking stronger. We weathered the storm of about 10 minutes and the score remained 2v1 thanks to some good saves from George and all round good defending from the team. With 12 minutes left we had to go for it. Adam was brought on for Ollie on the right as we went with 3 up front. The game was now frantic and Federico so nearly got us an equaliser as his header seemed to go inches wide. We were getting close to the Horley goal but were not striking the ball cleanly. Horley were looking dangerous on the attack and we were having trouble clearing the ball. With a minute remaining, one of our attacks broke down and Horley countered with the ball finding the striker with space and time to fire past George to settle the game 3v1. The final whistle went and Horley had deservedly won the game. They were probably the better side throughout the game and used the ball better. I do think 3v1 was a little harsh on us but it was likely to finish either 2v2 or 3v1 as we had to throw men forward. Congratulations to Horley on their cup success. The teams were handed their medals and Horley rightfully celebrated their victory while we were left to think what might have been. I was proud of all the boys today. I asked them to put in a performance and they did. Whilst we have played better this season, the performance was a massive improvement on the last 2 games. Well done boys, we are all proud of you. Federico was our man of the match and he worked so hard for the team. Hopefully now you have had a taste for a cup final it will spur you on to continue to improve and get to these occasions in the future. My final comments are for our fantastic support. You were brilliant and never stopped singing and encouraging the boys. For these boys to receive this kind of support is brilliant and Eric and I are very grateful! Well done boys, a memorable season! |
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Horley Town A 3v1 NPL Youth B League: Division 2/3/4 Cup Final Date: 3rd May 2008 |