| Match Report |
A tough draw in the Plate competition saw us entertain Haverhill Blues, who had only been knocked out of the main competition on penalties. The Haverhill sides are always well coached and this was to be no exception. A first half saw EYFC kicking up the slight slope and against the wind, which was fairly strong. We went with a slightly different plan today, with the players mainly playing in what is currently their strongest positions. This saw Frankie and Sam continue what is becoming a very strong partnership in defence, the first quarter playing in front of Rhys. Ably supported by the midfield we were defensively very sound and whilst not much was created we kept the oppositions chances to a minimum. We were breached after 5 minutes when a cross was expertly converted at the far post (going in off the post). A minute later and Rhys pulled off a fantastic save by getting his finger tips to a short from the edge of the box, pushing it onto the bar. There was a concern that we may buckle, but those fears were mis founded and we held firm. So onto the next quarter with the strict instruction to shoot on sight. Mia donned the gloves and did everything that she had to excellently (she didn’t concede during her spells in goal). Alex and Alfie were now in defence and were a great platform for the attacks that were mounted. One such chance saw Albie jink through the defence, but from only 6 yards out the Haverhill goalkeeper got his toe to the ball and it went agonising past the post. Throughout, those in midfield were highly combative and didn’t give Haverhill any time on the ball, really hunting in packs. They also passed the ball well, with some great link play. Unfortunately, we hadn’t been able to score and so onto the third quarter, which would again be difficult given the conditions. Rhys made a couple of good saves, but again Haverhill were starved of good chances. In fact, the defining moment occurred during this quarter, when Patrick (from defence) made a weaving run from his own half past three Haverhill players to bear down on goal. He took his foot back to shoot with just the keeper to beat and was taken out in a cynical tackle. It was a stone wall sending off, but this is kids football and what do you do? Patrick had to be withdrawn and justice wasn’t done when Albie blasted the free kick on the very edge of the area over the bar. Onto the final quarter and could we turn this around? Patrick had felt ok to return to the fray and the defensive partnership of Sam and Frankie returned. My favourite moment was a Sam change of direction that sent three Haverhill players the wrong way, but we were struggling to create chances. We weren’t helped by the game being disrupted by an injury to Frank in a whole-hearted tackle and Alex taking a ball straight in the face. Ultimately we can up short, but the kids did there absolute best and you can ask no more. Player of the match was given to Patrick, but they all deserved it this week. Well done all - I can see the first win of the season not far away. :)
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