Feltham Youth Under 11's vs Abbey Ranger Colts 9/2/08 8-0

The game started a little slow today. With the sun shining, the players didn't need to get stuck in as they were all warm. They soon realised they were actually here to play football though and Fetham started attacking well. Abbey showed some good defending as Feltham kept the pressure on. The inexperience of the ref was obvious as he failed to halt play while one of our players was down and injured. Although he lack of control was angering our managers and parents, the players concentrated on the job at hand. We just couldn't seem to hit the target though and Abbey attacked back forcing a corner. Our defence held their own and Bradley pulled off an easy save. It was the boost Feltham needed and they quickly turned the ball around and James made a lovely volley, it was unfortunately deflected and saved. We seemed to have chance after chance until Joe found himself in the right place to boot the ball into the back of the net (0-1) Feltham were playing a good game today but their targeting is still not up to scratch. Hesitations and lack of confidence was holding them back from taking shots and chances. At half-time the score stood at 0-1.

In the second half, and after some direction from Clint and Rob, Feltham came out more determined. Arron P was quick to score (0-2) and it wasn't long before he found his form again (0-3). Jac made a fearless tackle on an Abbey player causing an opposition parent to start verbally attacking him. Play was forced to halt as our managers ran to his defence. As play resumed it was obvious that Feltham had come out determined to win and Luca has us all screaming and cheering when he took the ball from our half 3/4 of the way down the pitch and had a try on goal. The keeper saved it but dropped the ball and Arron swept in to score the goal (0-4). The goals were coming fast and furious in the second half, Arron found himself just in the right place again and scored his fourth (0-5). Abbey Rangers were not going down without a fight and although they managed a few time to get through our mid field, between our defence and Bradley we had in all covered. Little wonder boy Joe managed to squeeze in another goal (0-5) nad Lewis finally found the target (0-7). Although all the players were playing well and trying hard, for me, Ollie showed impressive skill and ball control when he found himself in the middle of five Abbey players. He kept the ball and just kept turning till he found the room for a pass. Great football! Our last goal came from Luca, who hit a lovely high ball arcing over the defending and keeper straight into the back of the net (0-8).

The final score doesn't necessarily reflect how good a game Abbey Rangers gave us. They were no walk over. Luckily Feltham played well and got the chances they needed. Special notes go to all the defenders, Jack-Jack, Sasha, James P, Aaron S and James I who so often get left out of these reports! They played good and strong, holding their line and keeping form. James I adapted very well from playing in defence to playing upfront. Jac W and Luca, obviously ran rings around everyone.

Thanks to Abbey Rangers for a great game....Referee and linesmen for volunteering....Parents and supporters for turning up and cheering in all the right places.

Final score 0-8

Players: Aaron S, Arron P, Bradley, Jac W, Jack C, James I, James P, Jay, Jean-Luc, Joe, Lewis, Oliver, Sasha

Goal scorers: Arron (4), Joe (2), Lewis(1), Luca (1)

Man of the match went to James Pepperell, who had a great consistant game, Arron (for the hat-trick plus one) and parents chose Jac Williams.