The weather decided to take a turn for the worse as the CTYFC U15 Rebels took on Epsom and Ewell Colts in our penultimate Surrey Youth League - Premier Elite fixture.
Having not had a game for a couple of weeks and with the rain coming down, we were excited to get back to competitive football. We were quickly on the offensive and won a couple of quick corners. Hayden delivered from the left and it reached Oli at the back post, his touch and shot on the turn was drilled in off the far post to make it 1-0.
Even on the narrow pitch we were retaining possession well and a good move down the right saw Oli's deep cross find James at the far post who did well to direct the ball goalward - Ben had anticipated well and flicked the over the keeper from close range for 2-0.
We were seeing a lot of the ball and we were being patient when building our attacks, switching play well. Erim and Kris were controlling midfield and keeping the ball moving quickly, allowing Zahir to find pockets of space to link play. Defensively we were sound and Josh DK was not giving an inch against their tricky winger.
Another corner in the 19th minute was again delivered by Hayden - this time Isaac timed his run to head in from close range making it 3-0. Shortly after, Oli's surging run into the box down the right was halted when he was tripped by the defender in the box. Dom was the designated penalty taker and stepped up to bury the spot kick and score his first goal for the Rebels.
HT 0-4
Into the second half and having won a free kick 30 yards from goal, Josh E stepped and curled a stunner into the top corner - a goal of the season contender.
Having made changes before half time - Lewis, Joe, Tadi, JJ and Luke were all contributing positively, maintaining our shape and creating lots of chances.
More changes were made and fresh legs kept up the intensity. Mid way through the 2nd half Joe intercepted in the left back area and drove into space - playing an intelligent through ball to Oli. The weight of the pass allowed Oli to dummy and let the ball run, he fended off a late challenge and lifted the ball over the keeper into the far corner.
Two minutes later it was another player to score their first goal for the Rebels - Tadi doing really well to win the ball high and drive into the box - his shot beating the keeper at his near post with the aid of a slight deflection.
We created many more chances and but for the Epsom keeper and shots off target the score could been wider. However we saw out the game, maintained our standards and delivered some excellent football.
FT 0-7
Overall a good performance from the squad in not ideal conditions and tight pitch. Big credit to the attitude of the Epsom team, who played the whole match with a bare 11 - battling right until the final whistle.
MoM Special mentions to Tadi and Dom - both who scored their first Rebels goals - but the award this week goes to Oli and Josh E for their constant threat in attacking areas - Oli was clinical with his 2 goals and Josh's free kick was outstanding.
Well done lads.
