U12A Match Report 28th Oct 2007
30 Oct 2007
Sandy pitch at Hilbert doesn't prevent Foresters gritty comeback!
Foresters ‘A’ 3 V Chipstead FC 3 @ Hilbert Rec (28th October 2007)
Before the game started we were dealt, what is now becoming a weekly event, a major injury blow with the loss of Ryan due to a knee injury. With Dan Cheek sunning himself in pastures warmer, the 13 boys entered the fray on a wet miserable afternoon & heavily sanded pitch at Hilbert Rec.
The game started with Chipstead taking the game to us and looking lively straight away. It took us a few minutes to settle and we took the lead after 6 minutes following good work down the right wing by Tom Beck, his cross being converted into the net by Jordan for his third goal of the season. This early goal seemed to calm the nerves and Jack went close shortly afterwards when one on one with the keeper. Chipstead had several useful players who were keeping our defence of Calum, Shashi, George and Luke busy.
Ed Stocker’s quality corners were troubling their defence and we only just failed to add to the lead from one of these. Jorge was forced into making a smart save down by the post from a Chipstead corner, and 1 minute later we created an excellent chance when Toms cross rolled along the line with several strikers just failing to force the ball into the net. Chipstead then made a substitution and brought on a tall, fast and powerful striker who was a real handful. The sub was causing us problems and from a ball down the wing he managed to equalise for them. We were then caught out by a long ball over the top and the Chipstead attacker rounded the keeper to take them 2-1 in front. 2 minutes before half time a long range shot from Christian narrowly missed the bar.
We made one change at half time with Joe coming on for George and Tom Beck moving back into defence to try and mark the Chipstead striker. Sadly for us with Tom injured Chipstead added a third and I thought we were finished. Tom’s injury forced several changes with George coming back on and Bud replacing Jordan up front. Foresters were rewarded shortly after these changes when following good pressure by Bud the defender fired his clearance against Bud and flew over the keeper and looped into the net to make the score 2-3.
This goal raised the boy’s confidence and for the final 10 minutes they showed true determination and desire to score and were mounting attack after attack on the visitors goal. Foresters were now winning the tackles and headers and Jake was driving the team forward. However, the clock seemed to be against us with time running out. In the final minute Foresters managed to gain a corner and this saw every Foresters player including the keeper in Chipsteads half. Tom (playing thru his injury) fired over an excellent corner with Ed challenging strongly. The ball finally ending up at the feet of George Chambers who struck it home from the edge of the area to score I believe his first goal in 5 years with the club! Despite some protests from Chipstead the referee correctly allowed the goal to stand..
The final whistle went shortly afterwards, and I thanked the boys for their determination not to be beaten – a good effort all ‘round & a great comeback from being 3-1 down! Thanks also to the many supporters who attended on a such a rainy & windy day – hope it was worth while?
MOM - Luke. For a very solid performance at left back
Julian