The CTYFC U14 Rebels finally locked horns with Bracknell Town Reds for the first time this season in what was our last home fixture of the season, in a SYL Premier Elite league encounter. We started well and and an early chance for Oli following good work from Zahir down the right was well saved. It was down the right again in the 6th minute we found more success following a quick throw from Hayden, Oli got to the byline and his driven cross found Mikey with a tap in to open the scoring. It was 2-0 in the 9th minute when JJ anticipated well and intercepted a pass in the final third and clipped a good ball down the left channel, Mikey was onto it in a flash and found a lovely chipped finish into the far corner as the keeper rushed out. We were playing nicely and soon made it 3-0, good work in midfield from Kris and Erim saw us win the ball high. Josh DK was in support and found Hayden who beat his man and delivered a cross that found Zahir making a good late run, his control on an awkward bounce and finish were composed and clinical. Unfortunately Bracknell were down to 10 men in the 20th minute when their keeper saw red having handled outside the box. Shortly after Luke came on for Oli who had picked up a slight knock. Just before half time Dom produced an outstanding save, tipping a shot onto the crossbar, and from the resulting clearance Mikey was released down the left. Mikey clipped in a lovely cross to the back post where Hayden timed his run perfectly to side foot a neat volley into the net. HT 4-0. We started the 2nd half with some complacency but credit to Bracknell who came out with renewed energy and got their reward to score and reduce the deficit. We slowly gained the ascendency again with Isaac and JJ taking charge at the back. Freddie was covering yards down the left and started to see more of the ball and was linking the play well. We made some changes, Josh DK who had been solid at the back making way for Joe Beatty to make his debut for the Rebels. Erim had done well after returning from injury and was replaced by George. Kris was given a well earned rest after more tireless work in midfield and Oli came back on having recovered from his earlier knock. Joe made an immediate impact and looked busy, and nearly scored with a fierce drive which skimmed the top of the bar. We finally made our numerical advantage count on 59 minutes when Oli picked up the ball down the right channel, beat his defender and stood up a great cross to the back post which found Luke running in to score on the volley. Just a minute later Mikey made a powerful run down the left and delivered a good cross to find Luke who’s header was well saved, but we managed to recycle the loose ball to George on the edge of the box. George’s shot looked destined of the top corner but bounced down off the underside of the bar onto the back of an unfortunate defender and into the net for an own goal. FT 6-1. A solid performance from the whole squad with everyone contributing positively. Credit to Bracknell who never gave in despite being a man down for two thirds of the game. MoM: This week Mikey gets the MoM or his 2 goals and 1 assist and general all round strong contribution. Well done boys, we go again!
