Feltham Youth 1 v Whitton Wanderers 4 

 On a cold wintery February morning the Blues hosted the runaway league leaders from Whitton in a keenly anticipated 1st v 2nd match. It is hard enough when you are playing a very good side but to gift them two goals within the first four minutes makes life very difficult and we must learn very quickly that the match starts as soon as the Referee blows the first whistle and not after 10 minutes have been played. This is at least the fifth time this season that we have been behind within a few minutes of the whistle and have had to chase the game. Even more frustrating was that we had very nearly taken the lead with the first attack of the match when Sam went close.

  Today we were playing a good team with two clever forwards. Whitton’s first goal was a scappy affair as a result of poor defending however the second goal saw the visiting forward outpace our defence and fire home. The Manager’s worst nightmare was being realised however to their credit the Feltham Boys settled down and began to play some good football. We did create several chances in the first half the closest being a John Jo header that saw a great clearance of the line. However the visitors earned a penalty for a foul and Joe pulled off another of his amazing saves as he turned the shot over the bar. Although we were 2-0 down at half time Feltham had a good share of possession but could not find the breakthrough.

  The important goal was always going to be the third goal and once again Whitton exploited some indecision in the home defence to race through and score a third ten minutes into the half. It was soon four to the visitors as some poor defending saw a Whitton forward unmarked in the box and he fired home. However many a side would have crumbled at this point with 18 minutes remaining but to their credit Feltham battled away right to the end. Sam reduced the deficit with a good shot and Turnell went close on a couple of occasions near the end.

  4-1 to Whitton but Feltham can take some credit for their battling performance. If we can learn to stop giving early goals away we will make life easier for ourselves. That said today we were up against a very good side who have runaway with this division and will be crowned Champions very shortly. The best sides will always punish you and Whitton were very clinical with their finishing. This is the standard we need to attain if we are to move up divisions. I asked all the boys to come off the pitch knowing they had all given 100% on the pitch and they all did. Gary, the visiting Manager was very complimentary about our performance and said that we had given their back four as many problems as any other team this season which is a nice compliment. We will learn from this defeat and that is what losing is all about, learning, well done boys. Next week is a massive game in our quest to finish up as Runners up in this league.

  Thanks this week to the team of Jason, Pete Morris and Pete Varney for putting the goals up and preparing the pitches. On a cold morning it was good to see a big support for the boys, so thanks to all the parents and families for turning out as well as some of the Whites (Oliver, Elliot, Charlie and Suzanne) for their support. Thanks to Jason for Refereeing and Dave for running the line. A big thanks to Bill for helping with the team as usual. Finally thanks to Gary and his boys for a great game played with good sportsmanship and good luck for the rest of the season, a team of worthy Champions.

Scorer – Sam

Squad – Joe, Lewis ( Captain) , Daniel Q , Daniel S , Marco , Simon , Nathan , John Jo , Anthony , Leon , Sam , Turnell , Adam