UNDER 9’s  - 6/11/05

BUSH HILL RANGERS -V ILFORD

2                                    3

Once again we were up against an established club. As the game kicked off, Ilford were straight on the attack and with their first attacking move, somehow, managed to run straight through and score.  No sooner had we kicked off, and once again we were picking the ball out of our net, 2-0 to Ilford.  For a few seconds, the boys looked shell shocked, and a few of them were like ‘rabbits caught in the headlights!’.  Eventually, our boys woke up and were very unlucky not to get a goal back after a great long range effort by Halil.  This was backed up by another great effort by Mohamed.  After a slight re-shuffle, Kash showed great strength and pace to get one back 2-1 to Ilford.  It was soon clear, that both teams possessed pace and aggression.  After the initial shock of going two behind, Bush Hill began to dominate, and we started to play our passing game, which created chances for Mohamed and Nazeem.  The first half was beginning to get a bit scrappy, after a succession of fouls committed on the Bush Hill boys, the referee, eventually awarded a few kick just outside their box.  Mohamed stepped up with a shot that was blocked by their wall, but he never gave up, he chased the ball down, regained possession and drove at the heart of their defence, before unleashing a rocket of a shot to make it 2-2 at half time!

At half time I told the boys that I was very pleased with their response to the first few moments of this game. I could see that the belief had come back into their eyes, they were eager and hungry for the second half to start. 

As the second half started, Ilford had the first chance, but both James and Paul, looked more determined this time, and the chance soon went.  The second half was end-to-end, with both teams creating chances, but this time both defences were on top, with both goalkeepers making good saves.  I was still unhappy with the amount of fouls being committed against our boys, and I made my views knows to the referee.  I believe that our boys deserved more protection from the referee, but I also believe that we will toughen up!  The second half continued to be a messy affair, then with a few minutes to go Ilford were awarded a corner, and after a mix up, they scored 3-2 to Ilford. The response was immediate with a shot by Nazeem, taking the paint off their goal-frame, unlucky! 

At the end of the game, I explained to the boys, that it doesn’t matter at what level you play this game, it will always be difficult if you give a 2-0 lead to any team.  We must be focused, and awake from the minute we step onto the field, there were a few boys who still had sleep in their eyes and were yawning as we kicked off. I think we’ve learnt our lesson and I know that the next time we meet Ilford it will be a different game. Well Done Boys!

Today’s Man Of The Match – Paul – for his strength and determination