Match Report - Sutton United U14 - 05 Dec 2021

For the second time in the 3 weeks the CTYFC U14 Rebels made the long journey down the A3, this time to face Sutton Utd U14 in another SYL Premier Elite fixture.

Not for the first time this season our preparation was disrupted somewhat, with news of injuries on the morning of the match, resulting in just 12 available players with some of those also carrying knocks into the game. Despite this the squad were clearly up for the challenge and started the game well, asserting themselves with strong challenges and good possession. We opened the scoring in the 12th minute after Luca was fouled about 25 yards from goal following a strong run. He stepped up to take the free kick himself and curled a beauty into the top corner - a great strike. It was soon two following good work down the left from Freddie, James and Luca who was found on the overlap and his low cross was nearly turned in by Oli who’d made a good run across the keeper. His effort was blocked but the ball fell kindly to Mikey who finished from close range. We were looking comfortable with Hayden, Isaac and Freddie seeing off the Sutton attacks and Dom commanding his box well. Josh DK and James were both working hard defensively too whilst offering good width. Zahir, Kris and Luca were linking up really well in the heart of midfield too. Just before half time we made it 3-0. Kris won the ball in midfield with another strong challenge and showed good awareness to release the ball down the inside right channel for Oli whose great touch and pace had him through on goal. With the on rushing keeper Oli’s delicate chipped finish over him was sublime and the ball nestled into the far corner. HT 0-3. Luke replaced Oli at half time and we were looking to keep concentration levels high. Mikey then scored again in the 49th minute to kill the game off. More good work from Kris and this time Josh DK, linking up well down the right saw Mikey clean through on the right side of the box and slotted the ball under the keeper at his near post. We were now dominating all areas of the pitch and playing some really good football. With 5 minutes to go we broke quickly from mid way inside our own half. Kris found Mikey who’s clever flick round the corner saw Kris get the ball back having continued his run. Mikey spun in behind and Kris played him in. He was forced wide but still got a shot off across the keeper which seemed destined to roll just wide. However Kris had carried on his run and found himself within tap in at the back post- another lovely team goal. FT 0-5.

Sometimes things just click and this was one of those days. A pleasing clean sheet from confident goalkeeping and good communication, super hard work in midfield with lots of creativity and devastating up front. Well done boys, we go again next week.