Match Report
Match Report - 15 Feb 2009, Wadhurst Junior Football Club Under 16's lost to Ashurst wood
Wadhurst 4 - 6 Ashurstwood
Hello all
This result comes with great regret, disappointment and hurt but it equally comes with the strong belief that either team could of won and each and everyone of the team gave there all - the requirements of being 1st to the ball, challenging strongly were clearly delivered.
One of my strongest visions was when Reece Lyons was substituted with 10 minutes to go, he could only just make it to the touchline before he collapsed to the ground through sheer exhaustion and tiredness from 70 minutes of total effort and focus - and that was evident in you all.
Ashurstwood have not and will not of played in such a high tempo and pressurised game as this all season, and possibly even next season. Their claim that it was the toughest game of their season carries small consolation, but gives us a strong belief that in this first season of challenge we are not far from being a winning team.
Again it was a good team effort, with many performances deserving a mention, from Tim Haywood in the 1st half giving a very strong and battling performance, to James De Bene again controlling and marshalling the defence with skill and precision, to Dom Kent scoring two superb goals and Dom really looking like he can be a handful for any defence.
The final 15 mins of the 1st half saw more constant pressure on the Ashurstwood goal, this seemed to be the general theme of the match - Wadhurst in control and pressuring their goal, but, unfortunately we went into half time 3-2 down.
2nd half carried the same theme, battling and committed football, with Toby Bunday stopping short at totally shattering the cross bar with a thunderous strike, then followed a clear and obvious handball in the Ashurstwood penalty area which was not spotted by the referee even though he was standing right next to the defender - I did kindly suggest to him that he popped into Specsavers on the way home and that I would be happy to drop him off and even pay !!!
But with repeated attacking play and a massive free kick from captain Callum Saker that stuck in the top right hand corner, we couldnt pull back the goal deficit and the final result of 6-4 flattered the hosts and certainly would not of looked out of place with the score reversed.
For the 1st time this season the Man of the Match award goes to the same player for 2 consecutive matches in a row, this player again was played out of position, but took total control of the defence, great timed tackles, strong heading and a generally a solid performance in the centre of defence, so well done once again, Man of the Match goes to James De Bene.
Lets collect ourselves and now focus and get ready for Hailsham this coming Sunday, were we must create from the very first whistle and work to acheive our goal for the season !!!
Coach
Wadhurst Junior Football Club Under 16's 4 - 6 Ashurst wood