Match Report - Sutton Utd Youth U14 - 07 Nov 2021

Having had a rest with no game last week we were back in league action on Sunday hosting Sutton Utd Youth. We were expecting a tough game and with 4 players out again due to varying reasons a game plan was set. We also welcomed George into the match day squad for the first time. Despite a strong breeze conditions were good and we started well - dominating possession and moving the ball well. We opened the scoring on 12 minutes in what turned out to be the winner and only goal of the game. A searching ball from Freddie was just too long for Luke but the keeper spilled and Luke was on hand to nick the ball and tap in to the empty net. A couple of half chances fell to Oli

, Luca and Zahir but we couldn’t test the keeper. At the other end Dom was out of his box in a flash to clear a through ball and a good defensive line saw what Sutton thought was the equaliser chalked off for offside. HT 1-0.

Mikey replaced Luke at half time and we were now against the increasingly strong breeze. Mikey soon had a shooting chance but his shot from the edge of the box was off target. We struggled to make many attacking inroads after this but remained disciplined in defence. George came on to replace James to make his debut and Josh replaced Lewis. It was a tight affair and with 10 minutes to go Sutton were pushing for an equaliser. Some crunching tackles were flying in and we kept our concentration well. Dom then stepped up to make 3 crucial interventions. Catching a dangerous cross to relive the pressure followed by punching clear a free kick to safety with authority. In the last minute a snap shot on the half volley from the edge of the area seemed destined for the top corner but Dom magnificently tipped the ball onto the bar at full stretch - a truly world class save! That proved to be the last attack with the full time whistle signalling the victory. FT 1-0.

Sometimes you can’t play the way you want and have to win ugly, and this was one of those days. All of the team showed great determination to keep a clean sheet. Kris played out of position alongside JJ and Fred in defence and all 3 were brilliant. Erim, Zahir, Luca ,Lewis, James , Josh and George all showed the heart and desire in midfield to win their battles and do a valuable job for team. Oli, Mikey and Luke also worked really hard and defended from the front and were unlucky not to get more chances on the day, the luck of the bounce and ricochets just not falling in our favour. MoM though was Dom who sometimes has long periods where not a lot happens for him but he has to keep concentrating. His save in the last minute was absolutely world class and certainly saved us from dropping a valuable 2 points.