5 Apr 2008 - Match Report - KHFitC U11s (S&DYFL)
KHFitC 1 v 2 Areley Kings Youth - report by Mitch Bastable
Starting Line Up: Amedeo, Sam, James P, James S, Jamie, Jordan, Aaron
Subs: Casey, Charlie
The final game of the season arrived on another cold morning at Brown Westhead Park.
With Patrick still away on holiday and Harry feeling under the weather, the squad was not quite at full strength.
With a possible 3 points and a jump up 3 places in the table available, there was everything to play for.
The game started with an early chance from the visitors hitting the bar.
Good link play from Jamie and Aaron at the other end caused the defence hassle, but we couldn't finish the move.
Lots of pressure followed with James S playing well in his midfield role, and also supporting Aaron who continued to cause their defence discomfort.
But on the 11th minute against the run of play a fumble in the box and a failed clearance resulted in a lucky goal for Areley.
Credit to the boys again, the heads didn't drop and they started to pressure the visitors once more.
James S forced a great save from their keeper, and off he corner he pulled off another super save from Jamie. I was then informed by their manager he was on The Wolves books.
The rest of the half was very quiet from both teams, and whilst one or two were looking good in our team there were another couple who needed to step up a gear.
As manager Dave put it half time: the game was there for the taking.
Casey replaced Jamie, and Charlie replaced James S for the start of the second half.
An early blow for Harriers as Areley struck on the 4th minute with a well worked goal, although a bit of luck might have come into play.
We still felt we could come back and the lads pressed again.
10 minutes into the second half and we won a free kick 20 yards from their goal. Jordan stepped up and scored with a brilliant free kick. The boys in the box causing confusion and the ball went clean through everyone into the net. No wonder he has been pestering to take the free kicks!
3 minutes later and Jordan shot just over the bar.
James S replaced Aaron and after 2 minutes on the pitch hit the bar. Some real good play from the lads and we were all excited on the sidelines.
6 minutes to go and Aaron replaced Jordan. Quick mention to those two boys: Not missed a game all year with 26 appearances each, and also to Harry who was still on the sidelines but he would have completed 26 too.
Still coming forward and James S hit a ball into the box which Aaron just put wide. Turned his body well, did everything right but put the ball in the net.
Charlie also hit a ball just wide, and Areley were praying for the game to finish.
Jordan replaced James S with one minute to go, but we just couldn't get that final goal.
Very unlucky to lose, but proising signs at the end of an inconsistent season.
Summary of Season
So 11-a-side beckons (does that mean I will have to type more??)
A good start and finish to the season are encouraging, but of course there was a horrible blip in the middle with a lack of concentration and the desire to play.
The management team are looking to make the team more competitive for next season and that can only be a good thing for the development of the lads.
A lot of work will be needed through the summer, but I'm sure Dave and co are up for the challenge.
But before that work starts a few of the staff can take it easy. Dave and Kev can continue their mission to drink in every public house in the Midlands, Marco can go off and make his next million and Deb can continue to look after her toy soldier.........no, not Harry......I did mean Andy!!
Hope all the parents enjoyed reading my match reports, and with the Butlins trip looming, we can all look forward to a good old laugh and drink together.
Thanks Mitch - I for one certainly did! - Website Manager