Last match before Christmas and a game that’s always a battle as the Camberley Town U14 Rebels played our local rivals Ascot United. The pitch had been affected by a match in the rain the day before with it quite boggy through the middle, but as they say, it’s the same for both teams.
We dominated the first half with Luca and Zahir driving from midfield causing the opponents all sorts of problems. James put a great ball in from the left early and it just eluded Joshua E at the back post. Luca went close next when a 1-2 with Mikey saw him in the box, he opened himself up and just got under the shot, putting it over the bar. With JJ and Josh DK in the back 3 with Freddie we didn’t give them a glimpse of goal first half, any time the ball was played through Doms starting position ensured everything was cleaned up. We deservedly took the lead in the 12th minute when we won the ball from an Ascot throw in, Josh E played the ball back to Josh DK who’s perfect pass was flighted over the defender into Oli’s perfectly timed run, he coolly outpaced the defence and slotted under the keeper. Zahir then went close when he picked up a loose ball, beat his man and drove to the edge of the box, his snap shot almost caught the keeper out, but he just managed to get a hand on it. Totally dominant now, we extended the lead with a great team goal that started with Dom in goal after a JJ back pass, his pass out went to Oli who held it up well just inside their half, a nice ball inside fed Zahir who with 5 men around him switched it quickly to Luca, a quick turn of pace got him into the box on the left, he dropped his shoulder, beat his man and expertly buried a shot across the keeper. Mikey’s pace was causing them problems and great build up play by Freddie and Luca led to a chance in the Inside left position, but the keeper did well to smother the shot.
H-T 2-0
After half time the first 10 minutes were crucial as Ascot will always keep going and we were 2nd best for actually 20 minutes as they had a right go. Defensively we were still looking solid as JJ and Freddie were winning their battles. 2 errors however in the space of 10 seconds gifted Ascot a goal and the game became a battle with both teams competing very well. We lost our way a bit so introduced Erim and Lewis to add some more strength to the team. A slip by Josh DK almost led to an equaliser, but Dom did well to send the player wide and when he shot Josh DK did magnificently to head off the line. A few corners were conceded but we dealt with them very well. Dom then made a very good save from a long shot down low to his left. We created a great chance when Josh E and Zahir worked well down the right, the low cross to Mikey looked destined to be scored, but he had an air shot. Luca and Mikey then created a great chance down the left to wrap it up as Luca went on a mazy run and beat 4 players, he got to the byline in the 6 yard box and from a tight angle his low shot agonisingly went past the post.
The game ebbed from end to end, but apart from one corner which Freddie cleared with a towering header we saw out the last 5 minutes very comfortably and deservedly won the game.
F-T 2-1
A good battle between 2 good teams. It’s only half way, but we are well placed at the top of the league for Christmas. Its testament to all the hard work the entire squad have put in since the start of the season, all developing and improving as players, it’s not about 1 or 2 players, but coming together as a team and having those players at both ends of the pitch who can make a real difference.
Mom today could be a number of players, but the difference was at both ends of the pitch so it’s shared between Oli and Dom.
Well played boys ??????
Have a great Christmas
