Foots Cray Lions JFC vs Orpington Rovers Pumas
4 - 3
08 September 2018 · Tandridge Youth Football League<br>Central
Away friendly match played on 08 September 2018.
Kicked off at 12:30 PM
4-3
vs Foots Cray Lions JFC
Away friendly match
A visit back to STC Sports in Ivor Grove for our second friendly of the season against an U12 side from Foots Cray Lions who were playing up a level for the coming season. After this game we could see why as they turned out to be a well drilled passing side who didn't give up.
With virtually a full squad available we lined up with Brandon in goal with Ben, Joe, Sam and Connor in defence. Midfield consisted of Adam, Luke, Tom and Logan with George and Ace up front. The subs bench consisted of Gino, Jacob and James.
It was clear to see from the early exchanges that this was not going to be an easy game and was made harder when another cheap, early penalty was conceded by the Pumas. Luckily thanks to a combination of a poor kick and Brandon's alertness the score remained even as Brandon saved his second penalty in two games.
Twelve minutes in and Tom played a nice ball through to Ace who advanced on goal and put the ball into the back of the net at the second attempt with the keeper blocking his initial shot.
Despite conceding and missing the penalty the Lions were growing in confidence. Following our first round of substitutions on 15 minutes they equalised deservedly so.
The game was evenly balance with Logan going very close as he crashed a shot against the bar. However, on 29 minutes Brandon's long clearance gave Ace the chance to stretch his legs as he scored his second of the game to put us back in the lead.
The Lions came back at us again and pulled the scores level just before halftime. Shortly after halftime the Lions scored to go ahead in the game for the first time.
We responded well with George taking the ball down the right and crossing for Ace who couldn't reach the ball but it fell kindly to Logan on the edge of the box to loft a shot into the back the net to bring the scores level again.
Our passes and clearances were becoming ragged now and with 8 minutes left the Lions once again took the lead and despite good pressure we couldn't pull it back and suffered our first defeat of the season.
With another penalty save, good kicking and series of saves Brandon was awarded the man of the match trophy. The friendlies have given us plenty of things to work on in training which starts on Monday with league fixtures beginning next Sunday.