Match Report - Badshot Lea U14 - 28 Nov 2021

Local rivalries were renewed on Sunday when Badshot Lea visited the CTYFC U14 Rebels in a 2nd Rd SYL League Cup fixture. Having already met in a feisty pre season friendly it was always going to be competitive, with many friendships from both sides being put on hold for 70 minutes. The first 20 minutes were closely contested with both sides trying to get a foothold in the game and gain the ascendancy. The deadlock was broken in the 20th minute when Kris slid in a good ball down the inside right channel to find Zahir who had made a clever forward run. Zahir drove towards goal from a tight angle but his cross / shot was blocked by the keeper. However Oli reacted fastest to slot in the rebound from close range. It was nearly 2-0 straight away but a fantastic save denied Oli’s powerful shot. However the lead was doubled just 6 minutes later. Erim picked up a loose ball and made a good driving run through midfield and was tripped about 25 yards from goal. Freddie stepped up and his shot was saved well down to the keepers left but Luca pounced in a flash on the rebound to poke home from close range. It was 3-0 just before half time when a raking free kick from Freddie was allowed to bounce by the defence on the edge of the box. Mikey had anticipated well to nip in and nod a looping header over the keeper who was in no mans land. Throughout the half Dom, JJ, Hayden, Freddie and Isaac remained focused, repelling the attacks coming our way. HT 3-0. We made a couple of changes early in the 2nd half with Josh on for Erim and George replacing Zahir. With Badshot chasing the game and putting the pressure on we were battling to put together any sort of sustained possession. James and Kris were working hard alongside Luca, Josh and George in midfield to keep Badshot at bay. James did find Oli with a good cross field ball, Oli’s touch was good and he drove towards goal, however his shot was well saved. Soon after Mikey made it 4-0 having pounced onto a long ball from Isaac he outpaced the defence and found the far corner with a great finish. Badshot kept going and we had to defend resolutely against a number of attacks and corners in the latter stages of the game, but Dom marshalled his defence well to keep his clean sheet. FT 4-0.

The game was keenly contested throughout and it was pleasing to safely progress to the next round. There was a number of good performances but MoM went to Isaac and Freddie who were both immense in defence and instrumental in preserving our clean sheet.