Match Report - Under 9's, Hawkers, Sun 18th November 2007, Hillside Published date - Sun 18/11/07

Jex 2 - 0 Bressingham
Hillside(A) 0 - 2 Wymondham
Jex 2 - 2 Hillside(A)

It was a freezing cold afternoon here in Thorpe St Andrew but all the team turned up and we were able to use our new hut (or cabin as I have heard it referred to) for the first time as we were playing at home.  The boys were in high spirits today even though there was a biting wind outside.  Once everyone was changed, and we had an initial team talk, it was time to warm up and practice whilst the first game was played (Jex vs Bressingham).

We had Matthew C as our mascot today and he had so many layers on he resembled a sumo wrestler! He was also on hand to present the Man of the Match trophy.  James R was also sporting a new hairstyle - was that to make you even quicker on the run James?

Todays squad consisted of:-

Matthew (GK), Paul N, Marley H (Captain), James TJ, James R, Harry P, Brandon S, Brandon R & Caleb W. 

FIRST GAME

It was soon time for our first game and we played Wymondham.  Subs for the first period were Brandon S & James R.  There was a very quick start to this game and it started very evenly - both sides evenly matched.  We had 2 excellent chances which Harry just found too hard to control and one went wide and the other high.  After 5 mins, Wymondham were 1-0 up with an unfortunate goal that was not cleared in time.  Brandon R became injured and was taken off the pitch as winded and was replaced by James R.  Wymondham really took the game to Hillside and piled on the pressure but some fantastic saves by Matthew kept us in the game.  Quickly the ball was up the other end and Harry was clear on goal only to be brought down by the keeper resulting in a penalty.  Harry stepped up for the challenge but it was saved by the keeper.

Paul Newman was the taken off following a hard tackle and was replaced by Brandon S.

The ball was quickly heading towards our goal and another fantastic save by Matthew.  This was quickly followed by a penalty being given against us by the referee for a handball.  Matthew was on such good form today and saved the penalty - what a boy!  Well done Matthew.

Once the parents had reminded Richard the names of the players, it was much easier to get them into position!!!!!!!!!

SECOND HALF

Wymondham came out knowing they were 1-0 up and determined to win and really took the game to Hillside.  We had a number of corners but were not able to convert any of them into goals.  On the break, Wymondham scored an excellent goal to be 2-0 up.  Caleb had a number of opportunities and was running down the right but could just not break through.

We had a free kick they had a free kick and it was pretty evenly matched stuff - we just could not find our way to the back of the net!

The game ended 2-0 to Wymondham but the team played extremely well.

SECOND GAME

This was against Jex who we had already beat Bressingham 2-0 in the first game.  Substitutes once again were Brandon S & James R.  The first opportunity fell to Hillside with a perfect pass from Caleb to Harry - but the shot went just over the net,  We were just warming up!!!  The ball was quickly taken to the other end and Matthew carried on where he had left off and turned the ball round the post.  A great save from the resultant corener as well.  James T-J was really getting 'stuck in' today and did some excellent tackles to win the ball.  Some class efforts from James T-J in defence and attack very nearly scoring a goal.  Yet another save from Matthew.  This really was end to end stuff.  James R was brought on as fresh legs for ames TJ after he was injured.  And another save from Matthew - you were busy today Matthew.

Finally we broke through and a wonderful goal from Brandon following a great cross from Harry. In the final seconds of the first half they have a free kick on goal.  Deep breaths...........and Matthew saved once again.

End of first half - 1-0 to Hillside.

SECOND HALF

Jex came out fighting and a stunning goal from them half way through the second half making it 1-1.  This really was a hard bought game and was end to end.  Very quickly they scored again making it 2-1 to Jex.  Could we really lose the game after being in front?

Oh no..........the boys battled on and were fighting right to the very end.  Brandon took the ball and scored another fantastic goal to make it 2-2.  Well done Brandon R.

Thats how the game ended - 2-2 - which was probably a fair result.

The Squad -

Matthew M - awesome in goal today.  SOme of the best goalkeeping I have seen.  Great to have you in the squad Matthew.

Marley - our Captain once again and so so strong at the back. Well done Marley for keeping the team in order and for some excellent defensive play today.

Paul N - Well done Paul - sme great defending again today to keep the opponents at bay.

James T-J - Really moved around the field today.  And some excellent tackles.  Great to see you getting stuck in James.

Brandon S - The best I have seen you play today Brandon.  Awesome stuff and so close to scoring as well.  Have not forgot that goal line clearance either.  Well Done.

James R - Took a couple of tumbles today but did not shy away from getting stuck in.  Ran the pitch well today.

Caleb - so strong on the right hand side.  Played his position well and won the ball on most ocassions.

Harry - Had a number of chances to score today but the ball just did not fal right.  Played so well up front today and would normally have made more of the ball - if only the bounce had been right.  Good to see you running the pitch today Harry - well done.

Brandon R - Our goal scorer - well done Brandon.  Worked really hard today (and we wont mention the corners!) and ran the pitch.  Played so well when he had the ball - and yes I did note the fancy foot work as well!  Thanks for the goals Brandon. Good stuff.

Matthew C presented the Man of the Match award to Matthew M for an excellent penalty save as well as numerous other saves that kept us in both games.  Well done Matthew M, this was really well deserved and it is great to have you in the squad.

Thanks this week go to ALL of the parents who were vocal on the sidelines even though it was bitterly cold outside.  To Leigh for keeping the bak 3 in order.  To Mandy for the half time and full time oranges. And to those who helped tidy the goals away at the end.  Particular thanks to Michelle for taking notes during the game to allow me to write tonights match report!  At least this week it has an element of truth rather than just what I thought happened.  It made writing the match report on my way to London so much easier today.

Therefore I will be looking for a volunteer to make notes every week from now on.

Thanks again to boys and parents - a good afternoons football.

David Cox