Match Report - Under 9's, Hawkers, Sun 28th October 2007, Dereham
Published date - Sun 28/10/07

Hillside(A) 1 - 3 Dereham
Dereham 0 - 1 Old Catton
Old Catton 4 - 0 Hillside(A)

Our squad for today’s games consisted of Matthew (GK), Matt C, Paul, Aalish, Brandon R, James R, James T-J (Captain), Harry & Connor.  We made our way over to Dereham after everyone eventually made it to the school having remembered to put their clocks back!!! All I can say is it is a good job we have the maps on the HRFC Website – stops me getting lost every week now!

The weather was awful on the journey in and when we arrived at the school, the heavens opened – we were soaked.

We knew we were in for a couple of difficult games today as Dereham & Old Catton are known to be good footballers.  However, we were not disheartened and we knew we cold get a result today.  We were without 2 of our main players – our Captain Marley who was away on a weekend trip and Caleb who was in London watching the American Football.

First Game was:-

Hillside(A) vs. Dereham

The subs for the first part of the game were Matt C & Connor.  The other 7 made the starting line up.
This was a really hard game for Hillside with Dereham putting us under pressure right from the word go. They had obviously watched us in warm up and knew how we would take our kick off’s!  It wasn’t long before we were 1-0 down and we had it all to do to get a result. I have to hand it to the boys – they kept their heads up and played some good football. Unfortunately, we were not strong enough to keep Dereham at bay and we were soon 2-0, then 3-0 down. Substitutions were made and Matty went on in place of Aalish and Connor went on in place of James R.
A good half time talk by the coaches seemed to lift the spirits and we went out fighting once again. We took the game to Dereham in the second half and a lovely piece of play by Brandon and Harry led to the ball coming to Connor who smashed the ball in the back of the net – well done Connor – a cracking goal and well deserved! The game ended 3-1 and it was time for us to watch Dereham versus Old Catton to see what our next opponents could do.

Their score was 1-0 to Old Catton – so we knew it was going to be a battle.

Hillside(A) vs. Old Catton

We really took the game to Old Catton and would not let them through the back to get a shot on goal. Some terrific defending and at times attacking meant we had them on the back foot for parts of the game. There was belief that we could get a result here. Out of nowhere came an Old Catton goal meaning we were 1-0 down and that’s how the first half ended!
Time for oranges (oh no – the boys had eaten all of these in the first game!) and the team talk. Changes were made to the squad and we reformed hoping to get some shots on goal. The Old Catton defence were so hard to break down and we just could not find a way through. As the day had gone on, the Astroturf pitch had got wetter and wetter and our team were sliding all over the place! Unfortunately, we let in a further 3 goals in the second half meaning we lost 4-0 to Old Catton.

Summary

This was different for us.  It was a huge pitch and it was Astroturf (who is still picking little black bits from their shoes?).  That’s not an excuse; we just didn’t play the kind of football today that we know we can play.  We are so much better than the results today suggest. Letting in 7 goals and scoring 1 just does not seem a fair reflection on the games.  It was a gutsy performance but we need to get back to our winning ways – we know what we can do and what we are capable of!

So our sights turn to our next fixtures where I am confident that we will turn things around again.  Both opposition Managers thanked us for 2 good games and I thank the boys for keeping their heads up and fighting on.  It’s a pleasure to coach them when they do not give up!

The Squad

Matthew (GK) – Made some superb saves today – particularly in the second game against Old Catton.  Unfortunately the opposition found their way through our defence and Matthew had little to do with any of the goals that were scored today.  Always our number 1 keeper.

Matt C – Showed some real grit and determination in defence today.  Our smallest player by far but not afraid to get stuck in with the tackles to clear the ball.

Aalish – Outstanding at the back today and really fought hard to win the ball every time it came his way.

Paul – As ever, a real stalwart at the back.  Always have faith when Paul is at the back to ensure the opposition do not get through.

James T-J – our Captain for the first time in Marley’s absence.  Did a great job running up and down the Centre.  Shows real determination when going for the challenge and winning the ball.  A great showing today James.

Brandon – Been poorly Saturday but glad he was there today.  Found it hard to break down the opposition but battled on and kept his head high.  Always good to have him on the side.

Connor – Substitute in first half but look what he did when he came on!  Awesome running and tackling and got in position to score our only goal of the day – well done Connor – you should feel rightly proud of that goal.

James R – Just runs and runs that right hand wing.  Love it when he gets the ball and runs at the opposition.  Keep at it James.

Harry – Our front man who fought so hard today in every challenge – unfortunately the service just was not there today for Harry to do what we know he can do.

The Man of the Match award today went to Aalish.  He was just so solid at the back and just kept on tackling and tackling and kept the ball away.  Well Done Aalish.

So, we now forget about these 2 losses, and learn from them.  We must remember how good we are – we can beat anyone when we have a good day.  Today was just one of those days when the ball just did not want to bounce for us!  The luck did not go our way!  Am I beginning to sound a bit like a Norwich City Manager now???

Well done boys – for your fighting spirited performance today.

David Cox and Richard Pace