UNDER 9’s - 09/10/05

ALDERSBROOK -v- BUSH HILL RANGERS

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This week we were once again up against an established club. Looking at the opposition before kick off, they look organised, and they had a physical presence.  I knew this would be a test for us today.

As the game started, both teams were working hard to close each other down.  Aldersbrook created the first real chance after their pacey forward somehow broke free and was one-on-one with Brandon, who came flying out of this goal with a brave clearance! Bush Hill responded with some great passing which ended with a shot by Kash, that was saved. Both teams possessed plenty of pace, but Bush Hill were on top as we continued to move the ball around. The first half ended goal less! after both teams’ chances were limited.

At half time I once again urged the boys to continue to believe in the way we play our football, and to keep moving the ball as at times Aldersbrook struggled to cope with our passing and movement.

The second half kicked off and the first chance fell to Aldersbrook with their striker once again causing problems with his pace, but Brandon was a match for him again pulling off another great save!  Our hard work especially down the wings soon created another chance for Kash, but it was saved again! For a third time their striker somehow got behind our defence, this time finishing hard and low 1-0 to Aldersbrook. This was the first time that Bush Hill Rangers had been behind in a game this season, I was waiting to see how the boys would react. Straight away, after some more good work between Mohamed and Halil, the ball was in their penalty area. Kash shot, it was saved! the ball fell to Greg whose shot went just wide! The reaction I got from the boys was a positive one as Bush Hill Rangers’ heads held high, were camped in the Aldersbrook half, creating chance after chance, corner after corner!  After a good delivery from a corner there was a scramble in their area, and both Halil and Mohamed both pounced with Mohamed forcing the ball home to equalise 1-1! The atmosphere on the sidelines was tense! The boys never stopped believing, Aldersbrook responded and tackles were flying in thick and fast.  Neither team wanted to lose, chances continued for both teams, but Bush Hill looked on top. The ‘No Battle – No Glory!’, attitude was clear to see throughout the team. With substitutes and parents alike urging the boys on!  With minutes to go I was happy with a hard earned point, but the boys had other ideas. The ball was played out to the left wing, Halil skipped past their defenders and whipped in a cross, that created panic in the Aldersbrook penalty area.  Two quick shots were fired at their goal but their keeper saved well twice!  Halil was not to be denied, and followed up to thunder into the top corner! 2-1 to Bush Hill.  He was mobbed by his team mates, the celebrations on the side line were loud, the Aldersbrook boys were flat.  What a way to get your first goal for the Club!  Seconds later, the whistle went for full time.

Bush Hill are a joy to watch! With our pace, passing and movement, add to this spirit and belief, nobody will enjoy playing us!  Well Done Boys!

Today’s Man Of The Match – Brandon – “The Brave!”.