Foresters U12A match Report - 17th Feb 2008
18 Feb 2008
Foresters narrowly loose out as Chipstead keeper performs heroics!
Chipstead FC 2 V Foresters A 0 17.2.08
On a bitterly cold but sunny day saw us travel to Chipstead FC. This was going to be a big test to to see if we could keep up our recent good performances. Chipstead FC have reached the league cup final beating higher division teams on the way and are unbeaten this year.
Due to increased squad size we were able to cover the absents of Ryan, and Ed Stocker with Tom Beck returning, and Jake making a quick return from his broken nose.
The kick off was delayed slightly to allow the excellent pitch to thaw. Before the game we had asked Jake to man mark the talented Chipstead playmaker, which he did to great affect throughout the first half. Chipstead attacked straight from the kick off and Jorge had to be quick off line to prevent the useful Chipstead striker scoring. We soon settled however and began to play some passing football which enabled Dan to strike powerfully from just inside the area forcing the Chipstead keeper into the first of many fine saves. We forced a corner on the right but it was not delivered with sufficient power and Chipstead were quick to break with us missing 3 attempts to clear the ball finally finishing in the back of the net to give Chipstead the lead. Foresters then began to pile the pressure on the home goal with Mirkan getting to the touchline crossing and Jack flicking the ball home, unfortunately for us the ref deemed the ball to have gone out of play and the goal was sadly disallowed. This did not discourage us and Mirkan was beginning to find his range, and sent in a very powerful shot which hit the underside of the bar, onto the post and then bounced down (I thought into the goal) however the ref and linesman thought otherwise. Then came the best save I have ever seen at this level Mirkan blasting a shot into the top left hand corner of the goal from 10yds which the keeper somehow managed to push one handed over the bar.
Chipstead were always lively on the break and after another mix up in the Foresters defence they scored a second.
Half time came and we all thought we could get back into this after a good first half performance. We were forced to make changes at half time bringing on Luke to replace Calum who had worked hard at both left and right back. Shashi moved to the middle of defence making this his third position of the match. Tom Beck went on the right wing to replace Dan who had a knee injury, Jake was released from his man marking duties and the formation changed to 4-4-2, with Jordan coming on front.
Phil switched to right back and his quick passing enabled Tom to get involved in the game and we were now attacking Chipstead on both flanks with Mirkan still troubling the home defence on the left and also with his long throws. Christian and Jake were ferocious in there tackling and getting the wingers attacking.
The pressure was constant with Tom firing in a shot that the keep did well to hold, Jordan lashed in a shot again the keeper made a sharp stop, and Mirckan having several shots going narrowly wide.
Joe Warr showed his flexibility by replacing Phil at right back and passing the ball as well as beating the powerful Chipstead striker in the tackle several times.
Such was the pressure in the last 15 minutes that Jorge spent most of his time out on the goal on the half way line. All the players including George Chambers who had a great game at the back were now encamped in the Chipstead half, sadly the only time the keeper was beaten there was no one to tap the ball in from a yard out and the ball was cleared.
In summary this was our best performance of the season and we by the admission of the Chipstead manager deserved at least a draw.
It was pleasing to hear all the positive comments of the parents, and I would like to take this opportunity to thank the ref and wish Chipstead FC all the best for the cup final.
Hard luck boys, enjoy the half term break & see you for training on the 27th Feb at Bennett school 7.15 – 8.30pm.
MOM – Jake for sheer determination & tough tackling, despite a near broken nose!!!
Julian