Match Report - Under 9's, Hawkers, Sun 14th October 2007
Published date - Sun 14/10/07

Norwich United 6 - 0 Bressingham
Hillside(A) 1 - 2 Norwich United
Bressingham 1 - 3 Hillside(A)

Todays squad consisted of Matthew (GK), Marley (Captain), Paul, Brandon S, Brandon R, James, Harry, Aalish & Liam.

So after Michele went to the wrong McDonalds restaurant 2 weeks ago, it was my turn to get the convoy of cars lost for our afternoon kick off in Blofield! Eventually rescued by Richard, we were ready for an afternoon of football. (Er, don't forget the maps page! - Ed)

Hillside vs Norwich United

We watched the first game - Norwich United vs Bressingham and saw Bressingham beaten 6-0 by the home team.
We knew we had our work cut out in the first game as we were playing Norwich United.

The starting 7 were chosen and Brandon S & Liam were our substitutes for the first half. Both sides started strongly and there was little to choose between both teams. It was an unfortunate penalty that gave Norwich United their first goal in the first half with Matthew helpless to save a well taken penalty. Hillside held their nerve and went into the break at 1-0 down.

A stirring half time team talk from the coaches saw Hillside come out with an unchanged team and ready to take on Norwich United. A magnificent strike from Brandon R saw the Blue & Yellows equalise with it all to play for.
Our defensive partnership of Marley & Paul deserve special mention for some excellent defending.

Unfortunately, an excellent goal from the Norwich United striker sealed the game and it ended 2-1 to Norwich United.

A well fought game – which could have gone either way but the penalty decision cost us the game. You win some you lose some!

Hillside vs Bressingham

A change to the team was made and we rested Aalish and James and on went Brandon S and Liam. It was good to get some fresh legs out on the field. Bressingham really took the game to Hillside and were out to get a result against us.

However, a stunning strike from Harry resulted in the first goal and Hillside were 1-0 up. Some attacking plays from both sides saw chances at both ends and the defensive work from Marley (our captain) and Paul kept the Bressingham team at bay.

We went into the break 1-0 up with it all to play for once again – a victory was in sight!

Out went the team again (unchanged) and Brandon R scored the most amazing goal within 2 minutes of the restart. Could Hillside really hang on to secure their third victory of the season? A corner was won and an excellent corner taken by Brandon R resulted in the third goal – even though it took a deflection!

A change was made to the team and Aalish replaced Paul in defence. Shortly afterwards, Harry was replaced up front by James.

Then from a rare Bressingham corner, the ball rebounded from player to player and somehow found its way into the back of the Hillside net!

So, 3 minutes to play and Hillside were 3-1 up. They had to hang on to the lead to secure the victory and 2 points!

And that’s exactly what they did! Liam and Brandon S had a couple of chances but were all saved by the keeper.

A 3-1 victory!

Summary

A superb team effort making it really difficult to single anyone out.

Matthew – some first class saves and our first choice goalkeeper. Kept us in the first game.

Marley – our team captain. Got behind his team and always the last man at the back – always confident he will not let anyone past him.

Paul – some excellent defending. Always on hand to clear the ball away and a well deserved Man of the Match.

Aalish – again some great defending and worked hard to cover inch of the pitch!!!

Liam – Was our ‘new legs’ in the second game and really got stuck in..

Brandon S – played well on the left hand side and made for a few chances. Also had a couple of goal scoring chances himself.

James – always working so hard up and down the right wing. Not afraid to make the challenges and was able to get into space.

Brandon R – Played centre today and worked himself into the Ground. Always in space and won some excellent tackles. Really worked well with his team mates and made for many a chance – and scored 2 excellent goals (3 if you count the corner!)

Harry – once again our ‘Rooney’ of the squad. Knows and kept his position throughout the games and made so many chances crossing some excellent balls into the box. And what can I say about that goal – awesome!

We had some great support today and once again thanks to all the parents for coming along and being vocal and getting behind the squad. That’s exactly what we need – as long as the ‘direction’ of the game is dictated by the coaches (and Lee watching the back line), then as much cheering and encouragement as possible is just what the team need!

Here’s looking to our next games in a fortnights time!

David Cox and Richard Pace