Headstone Manor YFC

Match Report - 27th September 2009

A very warm late September afternoon made for pleasant viewing for the spectators. But the high temperature had an affect on the outcome as the Bs, with 7 players unavailable and no substitutes, started to run out of energy during the second half. Without the subs, the Bs couldn’t freshen up the team and switch players and this put a strain on the players who gave their all but couldn’t conjure up a reply.

There was a bit too much aerial play but, when they got the ball down and controlled it, both teams produced some good football with neat interchanges and great passing moves. It was overall an even match with both teams having roughly the same number of chances.

The Bs had more corners but Wealdstone tested Stephen more, forcing him into excellent saves. One low cross shot looked destined for the far corner until Stephen tipped it round the post with his fingertips. CJ, who had one of his liveliest displays, had a great chance in the first half, quickly controlling the ball, cutting in and then curling his shot fractionally wide. Russ also came close a couple of times.

The Bs best chances came from the numerous corners they won. Jordan’s deliveries were superb and just needed a firm forehead to make contact. But they were mainly met by glancing headers or slightly mistimed runs and the chances went begging.

CJ put in tremendous work in the first half showing great movement to link up with the midfield and Shomari up front. Josh produced a brilliant display at left back, reading the play superbly, timing his tackles perfectly and distributing the ball well. Thomas also delivered his best display of the season. He was very lively on both wings, worked hard to close down and win the ball, attacked well down the flanks and looked for opportunities to shoot. A lot of the team’s drive emanated from Russ and Adam who teamed up at centre back in the reorganised back four. Their energy levels were exceptional.

Wealdstone opened the scoring with a well taken goal from a corner on 7 minutes. The ball was half cleared but fell to a player on the edge of the box who was given too much space and he picked his spot perfectly driving low into the far corner. Their second goal, midway through the second half, was also well made and finished. A low left wing cross picked out a striker who steered it neatly home. The Bs might have had a chance for an equaliser when Shomari, with close skill, wormed his way past several tackles only to have his ankles clipped in the penalty area. Play was waved on. One minute later a Wealdstone player deftly worked his way past Josh only to have his ankle clipped – free kick.

The Bs moved Adam to midfield during the second half to try to gain control of the ball and later pushed Russ up with CJ. Shomari and Adam then at played centre back. But it was asking too much as the Bs struggled to get players forward quick enough to support the strikers.

The Bs got a second wind as time ran down and had a couple of good moves and chances to get one back but it was not to be. Thomas was man of the match for maintaining such a high standard throughout the tiring 80 minutes.