A break in the league table found the mighty MPE Sports travel to the Kent FA grounds for a friendly against division two Ditton Minors FC. The manager’s selection placed Jacob Williams [GK], Connor Simmonds, JJ, Billy Tidman, Jack Amos, Harry Goodwright, Aaron Wood, Jamie Pye and Josh Ashdown first out, with Kian Murdin, Oliver Hewitt and Sam White in the wings as appointed substitutes.
First Half
MPE flew out of the blocks for the start of the first half with precisions passes from Jamie Pye almost finding the ever pacing Jack Amos.
All eyes were on Josh Ashdown, who managed to find enough unmarked space on the right to land a jumbo jet on. The MPE boys were piling on the pressure moving the ball well in midfield with shots from Jamie Pye who was denied by the Ditton keeper. A great run form Harry Goodwright, who was unlucky not to release Aaron Wood on goal.
The boys were finding a new level of confidence, passing the ball well in midfield and creating chances.
Ditton were quick to break and when they did it was in force but it was the MPE back three of JJ, Connor Simmonds and Harry Goodright [who was having an exceptional game] who tidied up.
A powerful run from Josh Ashdown finding Jack Amos whose shot was just brushed the paintwork of the Ditton upright. The midfield was really working well.
Manager’s substitutions placed Oliver Hewitt and Kian Murdin on for Josh Ashdown and Aaron Wood.
Magnificent work from Billy Tidman who had adapted well to his new centre midfield position
Ditton were beginning to move the ball around with pace and it was big number 7 who sliced through the MPE defence, placing the home site one nil up [1-0]
Combination passes from Oliver Hewitt and Kian Murdin
MPE continued the pile on the pressure forcing the play into the Ditton half with beautifully controlled passing throughout midfield from Kian Murdin and Jamie Pye.
Half Time: Ditton Minors FC 1 – MPE Sports FC 0
Second Half
Second half team changes placed Sam White out with Harry Goodright awaiting instructions from the manager’s bench.
The home side were straight out of the blocks at the start of the second half forcing the play into the MPE half and into the confident hands from MPE’s number one keeper Jacob Williams
Brilliant movement on and off the ball from the young Sam White, who looked to be excelling in his centre left defensive role
Ditton continued to pile on the pressure with MPE Sports Jacob Williams being tested again. Good blocks from JJ and Connor Simmonds snubbing out another attack from the Ditton front men.
Another substitution placed Josh Ashdown on for Billy Tidman. Phenomenal play from Connor Williams, picking out Josh Ashdown, who was unlucky not to find the feet of Jack Amos
Another twisting run from Josh Ashdown in the area gave the mighty MPE Sports a slight glimmer of hope as the referee awarded a much needed penalty for raised elbows. It was the Ditton goal keeper who saved a rocket of a shot from young Amos.
Ditton were on the attack again but well stopped by Oliver Hewitt, who had dropped into a more central midfield position.
It was the big number six again that hit the second goal for the home side from just inside of the area giving the two nil advantage [2-0]
Final Score: Ditton Minors FC 2 – MPE Sports FC 0
Match reporter’s final comment: The boys should be very proud of their performance, each week they have performance has improved. Ditton Minors Fc play in division above and at no point looked to be the dominant factor. All the boys should be congratulated on their performance. Well done the Mighty MPE and well done the parents, family and friends for getting behind our boys………..
Managers MOTM - Harry Goodwright
Parents Player of the Match - Josh Ashdown
