The whites started the game superbly. Some confident passing and some astute defending gave us a great platform to push on and take control of the game. We created several chances in the first 10 minutes, Harvey and Harrison forcing the keeper into good saves. The best chance of the half came after some superb work from Alex. Playing in his first game he chased the ball down and crossed for Harvey to unleash another shot but again the keeper was well up to it. We got our breakthrough after 15 minutes. A superb tackle and pass from Tyler sent Lucas away. Lucas's perfectly timed pass left Harrison 1 on 1 and his neat side foot finish gave the keeper no chance. We continued to control the game the game and a superb passing move involving Lucas , James, Harvey and Harrison resulted in Lucas being fouled in the box!! Penalty!! Lucas stepped up to take but unfortunately his powerful shot cannoned off the bar and the ball was cleared.
We went in 1-0 at half time but in all honestly Claygate couldn't have argued if we were 4 or 5 up. Some of the passing in the first half was the best I've seen from our group.
We started the second half as we finished the first. We created several chances and only the combination of some poor finishing and a superb Claygate goalie kept the score at 1-0.
Claygate then got a goaltolyagainat the run of play. A long ball bounced kindly and a powerful finish gave max no chance. However from the kick off we regained our advantage. A lovely long pass from Harv sent Lucas through and a superb finish gave him the goal he deserved. From then on again we controlled the game. We passed the ball and looked very comfortable with Tyler Adam and caleb mopping everything up at the back. Then came our mad 5 minutes. We went from 2-1 up to 3-2 down in a matter of seconds. Some slack play and a lack of concentration gifted Claygate a victory that in truth they didn't deserve.
Max. Excellent again. Very confident throughout. Great kicking and good save when called upon.
Adam. Fantastic first half. Strong and always there when we needed him.
Tyler. Superb again. Strong in the tackle and very assured when in possession.
Caleb. Great game. Never gave up and supported Adam and Tyler superbly.
James. Growing with every game. Created two chances with some superb passing.
Harvey. Very mature game. Passing and vision was superb again and very unlucky not to score.
Lucas. Another great game. Unbelievable energy. Some neat skills and passing resulted in another man of the match performance.
Alex. Playing in his first ever game. Superb game. Some very neat touches and some good skills. Also not scared of a slide tackle!!
Harrison. As always worked his sock off up front. A very good finish for his goal and some great skills. Great game
Lucas won man of the match ( as voted by the parents) for another all action display but a special mention for Harvey and Alex. Harvey was again superb and all the other lads seem to get more confident when he is playing. Alex, playing his first ever game was excellent. You would never have known it.
Although myself and Dave were a little disappointed in the final result there was also so much we were pleased with. The passing moves we put together were a joy to see and the work the boys put in for each other again is a pleasure. We spoke to the boys about concentration and how they have to for the whole game. If we had done today we would have another win under our belts.
