Match Report - ALBURY YOUTH EAGLES - 23 Jul 2019

On the hottest day of the year and playing on a full size adult pitch, an understrength Chipstead were given a footballing lesson by their well organised and skilfull opponents.

After a bright start, Chipstead's quick passing game petered out. With the midfield all pushing too far forward, Albury scored twice in quick succession as the defensive back line was overrrun by opponents who were prepared to make runs off the ball to create space for their forwards to exploit.

Going in 3 down at the first 20 min break, a switch round of players in the second 20 saw some improvement in Chipstead's attacking ability with the Albury stand-in keeper making a couple of well timed saves when Chipstead went forward.

However, despite playing on such a large pitch Chipstead rarely exploited the wings with the wide players getting little service from the midfield who frequently over-played the ball and then lost possession.

On winning the ball in midfield Albury hit back with swift counter-attacking football which were rewarded by two further goals in the second 20 minutes.

A change in formation to 4-4-2 in the third 20 saw a more solid defensive performance from Chipstead. Nevertheless Chipstead rarely troubled the Albury defence. A rare defensive mix up between the Albury defence saw Jake clear on goal but he shot wide. At the other end as Chipstead players tired, Albury scored a sixth goal as defenders failed to close opposition players down as they got into the box.