U12A Match Report 23rd Sept 07
25 Sep 2007
Foresters 1 Banstead Town 3 at Hilbert Rec
Our first home game of the season saw the visit of Banstead Town.We started brightly and straight from the kick off Christian went close with a cross come shot which only narrowly missed the post.
The Banstead defence consisted of several tall boys and they were winning all the balls in air, however after 8 minutes our best move of the match involving several passes and a good run & cross from Christian was finished excellently with Jack Knudson firing home from just inside the area.
This seemed to spur Banstead on and they launched numerous attacks and were pumping high balls into the area, all of which were confidently dealt with by Jorge in goal. Mid way through the first half their attacker blasted a shot from 6 yards, which Jorge somehow turned onto the bar with an excellent save.
Having two subs this week helped and we able to bring on Joe Warr for his debut and also change several positions around during the match. We held the lead until half time despite Banstead coming close to scoring on several occasions and hitting the woodwork on two more occasions and having two shots cleared from the Foresters goal line.
The pressure finally counted for Banstead when they equalised, however we were guilty of not attacking the goal and had the opportunity to clear the ball. The match then changed after Banstead were awarded a free kick outside the area on the right hand side. The kick was bravely punched clear by Jorge however not without a clash of heads which left him lying injured on the floor, however we failed to kick the ball out of play and a Banstead player lobbed the ball into an empty net from 20 yards. The ref rightly awarded the goal as the ball had not gone out of play. This seemed to unsettle the Foresters players & 2 minutes later Foresters sportily kicked the ball out when a Banstead player was injured which made the goal even more ironic as Banstead had not done the same for Foresters!
Pushing for the equaliser Jordan then had 2 good shots both narrowly going wide, however the Banstead defenders were still winning all the balls in the air, whilst we kept letting the ball bounce. Unfortunately, Banstead then added a third goal with 2 minutes to go.
Man of the match nominated by the Banstead Town manager was Christian especially for his heading and tackling.
In summary we need to communicate better as a side, and also attack the ball in the air (before it bounces). Banstead were a strong & skilful team and were often first to the ball, something we should all learn from for our next game.
Thanks to Dave for an excellent refereeing display, and also to all the supporters for excellent & positive support.
Thanks as ever to all the boys for all there hard efforts.
Julian