Match Report - ESHER YOUTH WIZARDS BLUES U15 - 13 Nov 2022

We didn't have to wait long for our return fixture against Esher Wizards as we welcomed them to Tomlinscote just 2 weeks after our last meeting for another Surrey Youth League - Premier Elite league fixture.

With revenge on their mind we knew to expect a determined Esher side so we had to be on our game from the start and we opened the scoring on 14 minutes. Freddie initially snuffed out an Esher attack and nodded calmly back to Dom, who in turn quickly threw back to Freddie who drove forward into space. A diagonal ball found Ben who controlled well and found Hayden who had made a good run and dinked over the on-rushing keeper. We kept up the intensity and pushed for a 2nd but couldn't find the killer pass in the final third. Dom remained untroubled with JJ, Isaac and Freddie steadfast at the back. Josh E and Kris were dominating midfield with Zahir finding some good areas.

HT 1-0

Into the 2nd half and Esher were searching and probing for the equaliser. Isaac did well once again though and came forward out of defence. His pass found Lewis who had drifted into the left of midfield. His control and pass were excellent and he released Mikey who found a lethal finish with his left foot into the far corner to make it 2-0 on 54 minutes. We made some changes now we had the two goal cushion - Josh DK coming on to the right and making some crunching challenges and almost getting a 3rd with a back post header that glanced wide. Erim also came on to provide fresh legs and to firm up the mid-field. Mid-way through the second half and Kris and Josh E were still working incredibly hard and controlling the central midfield. in the 61st minute we won a corner. Hayden delivered an excellent ball which found Zahir's excellent near post run - and his header was too strong for the keeper to handle to make it 3-0.

We could have added another following another break from Mikey down the left - Luke had come on and his lung busting run would have seen him there for a tap in but the cross was blocked by a last ditch challenge from the defender. All other attacks for an Esher consolation were seen off and the final whistle soon blew.

FT 3-0.

This was another clinical performance from the Rebels against a top team in Esher. We've enjoyed some good battles with them over the last 2 seasons and this was no different - all credit to their never say die attitude.

MoM - some excellent performances this week - Josh E, Isaac and Mikey were all superb.

However, this week Freddie was immaculate in defence and Hayden with a goal and assist provided that much needed quality in the final third, so both get the award this week.

Well done lads.