Apologies for reporting a bit late on this one....
On Sunday 2nd April 2023 it was the final home game of the season for the CTYFC U15 Rebels and we welcomed 2nd placed Ascot Utd to the Tomlinscote 3G in yet another local derby for a Surrey Youth League - Premier Elite fixture.
We tinkered with the starting lineup slightly which saw a couple of players starting out of their usual positions. However, this didn't seem to affect our play as within a minute of the kick off we took the lead. Ben immediately caused problems for the defence down the left and produced a dangerous cross. The ball wasn't cleared and Zahir pounced to force home from close range.
After our lightning start the game settled down but with both teams looking to attack at every opportunity it soon became an entertaining game. Some good play that started with Hayden, switching play to Lewis and then to Isaac, saw Isaac fouled right on the edge of the box. This was perfect territory for Freddie, and he stepped up to deliver the perfect free kick into the top corner for 2-0 in the 14th minute. Freddie certainly loves a Free Kick against Ascot - delivering again following his stunner against them last season.
The remainder of the half saw JJ and Hayden, along with Freddie and Dom defend our goal well, limiting Ascot to a few half chances. Isaac and Lewis were working well together in midfield, tidying up any loose balls and launching attacks quickly. Luke went close having worked hard to close down the keeper and we couldn't convert other half chances as we reached the break.
HT 2-0.
Erim replaced Luke at half time who had picked up a knock. The first 10 minutes of the 2nd half were well contested again, but the Rebels were starting to dominate possession and territory and pushing for a third - Josh E becoming increasingly dangerous down the right. Josh DK came on for JJ and James replaced Lewis in the 52nd minute as we looked to maintain the pressure.
With the next goal in the game crucial we kept our shape and discipline well. Tadi came on with 20 minutes to go and looked at home straight away. We finally got the the breakthrough we deserved in the 62nd minute - Oli making a powerful run down the left into box and his cross was handled by the defender. Oli stepped up to convert the penalty to make it 3-0.
With the 3 goal cushion we continued to push forward - Tadi and James worked a throw in well down the left - leading to Tadi delivering a dangerous cross which Oli nearly converted at the near post, but the ball reached Hayden who's headed effort was well saved. Oli reacted first though and set Zahir to finish from close range in the 68th minute.
Freddie was replaced by JJ having put in an excellent shift - with Lewis also giving Hayden a well earned rest. On 75 minutes JJ delivered a raking free kick which Oli did well to hold up and find Josh E on the right wing - his first time cross was pin-point for Ben who rose well to head firmly past the keeper for 5-0. In the final minute, following a short corner - Josh E made a surging run into the box and was clattered by the desperate defender. Josh dusted himself down to bury the spot-kick to complete the scoring.
FT 6-0
Another excellent and clinical display form the Rebels to blow away the 2nd placed team in the league and to celebrate having been crowned champions since our last league game with other results having since gone our way. An amazing achievement for this squad winning back to back league titles in arguably the strongest league in Surrey.
MoM. This week for another outstanding defensive display and another postage stamp free kick goes to Freddie - and also to Ben for his constant threat and work rate causing Ascot defensive problems all day.
Well done lads.
