Under 12 Whites v Ashford Town Away

Feltham kicked off 2008 with a very narrow defeat at local rivals Ashford Town. Despite the defeat I would say that this was possibly our best footballing performance of the season especially in the second half when we had Ashford penned in their own half but unusually for us we could not score today.

The Whites made a good start to the game and the first 20 minutes proved to be a midfield battle with both sides trying to get on top. Ashford probably had more of the possession in the first period but Feltham were forced to make a vital change in the same incident when both Jack and Leon had to leave the field. However Nathan and Ben stepped into the Central midfield role and performed admirably as they both worked hard and never stopped running. Our defending was much better today as we closed the home side down all over the pitch with the whole team supporting each other. One momentary lapse of concentration led to the home side taking the lead five minutes from half time with a shot from inside the area.

  The second half was a different story as we lay siege to the home goal especially in the last twenty minutes. Paulo forced a great save from the Town keeper and then fired at him after beating three players on a good run. Matt also went close as did Turnell right at the death. However we could not get the vital break through and the home side hung on for the three points.

  This was a good start to the New Year despite the result and if we can keep up this level of performance for the rest of the season we will pick up more points. Great credit to all 15 of the boys involved today , you all run your socks off and were very unlucky to come away with nothing. It was our best defensive performance of the season and we must try and keep this up every week. Even the Ashford coaches admitted we should have come away with at least a point this morning.

  Thank you today to the parents for your support on a cold frosty morning. Thanks to Steve for running the line. Finally thanks to Paul and the Ashford boys for an extremely sporting game played in a great spirit, good luck for the rest of the season.

Squad – Ryan , Lewis , Ryan , Matt , Daniel S , Ben , Leon , Jack , Nathan , Anthony , Turnell, Lee , John Jo , Charlie , Paulo