Another Sunday morning was upon on us which meant another fixture for the CTYFC U15 Rebels - and this week we welcomed Sutton Utd Yellows for another Surrey Youth League - Premier Elite fixture.
Historically this fixture has always been well contested and we expected nothing less than another tough game and this certainly proved to be the case.
The first 10 minutes were a bit frantic with both sides trying to get a foothold and gain the ascendancy. A couple of good chances were spurned with Ben firing over when well placed in the box and Mikey heading over when un-marked having been found by a searching cross from Hayden. An early tactical change mid way through the first half saw Lewis enter the fray as the we continued to find the breakthrough. Oli was busy and saw a couple of half chances come his way but couldn't find the target.
It was Sutton however who took the lead on 28 minutes following some uncharacteristic sloppy defending. Another tactical change saw Kris come on as we looked to respond quickly. but we entered the break still needing to find answers.
HT 0-1
With a renewed focus, and Joe coming on between the sticks we started the 2nd half well and equalised in the 46th minute. Hayden delivered a great ball from the right which Mikey expertly guided in on the volley into the far corner. The scores didn't stay level for long though as straight from the re-start we conceded a soft penalty which Sutton scored to re-take the lead.
We found ourselves behind again and this was despite JJ, Josh DK and Isaac defending with determination and denying very few clear chances. The midfield battle had been fierce and Josh E, Kris, Erim, Lewis and Ben were starting to dictate proceedings. Isaac's marauding forward run in the 59th minute saw him fouled and Hayden delivered another delicious ball. This time Isaac looked certain to score but his header was well saved - but Zahir reacted fastest to the rebound and tucked a side foot shot into the bottom corner from 8 yards to make it 2-2.
We went in search of a winner and in the 66th minute another free kick was won in a dangerous position. Yet another great delivery came in from Hayden and following a ricochet from Isaac's thigh - the ball fell kindly for James whose shot nestled into the bottom corner.
Just a minute later we opened up a two goal lead. Lewis' long clearance from the back seemed to be heading harmlessly out for a goal kick but Oli showed great desire to chase a lost cause and beat a covering defender. He flicked the ball up to keep it in play and his header from an acute angle found its way under the keeper into the far corner. We saw the game out, Luke replacing Oli late on and Erim giving Ben a rest to solidify the midfield.
FT 4-2
Sometimes you cant play the brand of football you aspire to and have to adapt. Despite being far from their best the boys deserve great credit for grinding out the result and finding a way to win. Still lots to learn and we can take some valuable experiences from the game.
MoM - this week goes to Hayden and Isaac. Hayden's delivery from set-pieces was outstanding and contributed to 3 of our 4 goals, whilst Isaac again was a commanding presence at the back with his positioning and composure.
Well done boys.
