U12 Whites v Ridgeway Rovers Middlesex County Cup 1st Round 16/09/07 Lost 1-2

Feltham entertained Ridgeway Rovers from Chingford in the first round of the County Cup on Sunday. What followed was a highly entertaining match which went to the wire between two sets of players who gave everything. Unfortunately the match was spoiled by one man dressed in black.

  The first half was keenly contested with both sides playing some good football and chances were limited. The Whites had the greater share of possession although Rovers defended resolutely and their young keeper was having a fine match between the sticks. Matt nearly gave the home side the lead just before half time when he just failed to direct his header from the edge of the six yard area. Elsewhere John Jo forced a fine save from the keeper from a free kick which he tipped on to the bar.

Half time and the teams were goal less.

  The second half saw some great football from both teams which was completely overshadowed by some bizarre decisions from the Referee who completely forgot that he was Reffing 11 year old boys and not grown men. Both sets of team officials agreed that he had spoilt what was otherwise a great game of football.

  Ridgeway took the lead early in the second half with their first real attempt on goal as a long shot bobbled its way into the corner. Feltham rallied and forced several corners . One of which was headed by Leon straight towards the goal when a Rovers player stuck his hand out and deflected the ball into his keepers face. Penalty shouted every one in the Park and the dazzed goalie, after receiving treatment got up expecting to face the spot kick. Unbelievably one man didn’t see it and he is the man who counts!! Then to make matters worse as Jack lay prostrate with a shoulder injury and all spectators screaming for him to stop the game he played on and Rovers scored their second goal on a breakaway. 2-0 down and facing an early exit from the cup Leon was pushed into midfield and Feltham spent the final 15 mins camped in their opponents half as they sought a way back into the match. It came with the award of a slightly fortuitous penalty for a push in the box which seemed to even out the one he had missed earlier. Leon scored from the spot kick and Feltham then threw the kitchen sink at Rovers to obtain an equaliser but it would not come and Rovers are through to the next round. The game ended with more controversy when the Referee went to book Lewis for the first real clumsy challenge of the match. Only the two coaches intervention prevented him from booking an 11 year old boy for a mistimed tackle.

  I could not fault any of the Feltham boys today for work rate or commitment. This game could have gone either way and we feel very down that we are out of the cup but that’s Football. However some of our boys have now stepped up a class and we are playing some very good teams. We must learn to compete all over the pitch if we are to match these teams this season. It was a marvellous game of football spoiled by one man. Good luck in the next round to Ridgeway and it was such a good game that they have asked us for a return friendly with a more suitable referee. This is not sour grapes as I have no complaints about the result but these elderly Refs must appreciate that Under 12s Football is very different from men’s football. Thanks to all our parents today for their support, next week you will see a much calmer coach !!. Cheers to Steve and Bill for running the line.

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

Scorer – Leon (Penalty)