UNDER 13’s -  22/1/06

         BUSH HILL RANGERS –v- WOODFORD GREEN

5                                              2

Having already played Woodford twice before, the boys did not need reminding what a physical, well organised and spirited team we were playing. As the game kicked off they seemed to settle the quicker and after a few minutes were awarded a free kick at the edge of our box. The ball was whipped in and we cleared for a corner. The pressure was still on as Taylan made a great save! Woodford’s boys seemed to be half a yard quicker and more determined. After some more pressure, Woodford were awarded a penalty, 1-0 to Woodford.  Their players and parents alike celebrated.  From the re-start Bush Hill created our first clear chance, as Tashan was put through and was unlucky as he struck the post. Woodford had their tails up and they continued to pressure our goal.  They got the ball into our penalty area and as we failed to clear Taylan was left with no chance as they made it 2-0. They were celebrating as though they had won the ‘World Cup’, they knew that not many teams have scored against us this season and in fact they were the first to take a lead. The Bush Hill boys looked shocked and if it wasn’t for another good save by Taylan, Woodford would have added their third. The Bush Hill boys needed to sort themselves out, I told them to believe in and encourage each other. We started to put a few passes together, and after a great run, Rishi scored to make it 2-1. We have scored plenty of goals this season, but this one was celebrated by the boys with great passion, as they knew what an important goal this was. It wasn’t long before we created another chance, this time we were unlucky with Jamel shaving the post.  The Bush Hill boys could see the fear beginning to creep back into the Woodford boys’ eyes, as by this stage their goal was under siege.  Bush Hill were awarded a corner, there was a massive scramble as at least three of our boys had shots on target, in the mayhem Jamel went down, he was clearly hurt and that was the end of this game for him. Half time 2-1 to Woodford.

As the boys came off at half time, the shock that they had in their eyes earlier had been replaced by hunger, determination and spirit.  We picked up another injury with Adem limping off, and we had to make a massive re-shuffle.  Most boys were to play the second half out of position.

As the second half kicked off Woodford still had some fight in them and were unlucky not to extend their lead as Raphael cleared off the line.  We were soon back on the attack and this time it was Alex unlucky not to score. The belief in the boys was growing, the atmosphere on the side lines was electric, both teams wanted this one. After a good move Tashan headed towards goal, the ball was cleared as far as Rodney who rifled in a shot to make it 2-2, game on!  Playing in the middle of the park Robin’s determination and quick feet were causing problems for Woodford. After some more hard work, another corner was sent over, the ball fell to Rishi who made it 3-2. Woodford responded and this time Baris sliding in cleared off the line.  Bush Hill quickly moved the ball forward as we began to pass the ball around Woodford.  After showing some great pace, Rodney produced a low shot that flew past their keeper 4-2.  The celebrations were loud, the boys hugged each other as they knew that reality had been restored.  The dream for Woodford to be the first to beat us was fast fading away and to complete the comeback, Rishi after another good run made it 5-2, final score.

I believe that if a team want to win the League, the Cup or Any Game, you need more than just ability. Some teams may have just accepted that they were 2-0 down and that this game would be a lost cause. To come back from 2-0 down, picking up injuries to key players in the process, and to go on to Win, you must have True Spirit, Real Hunger and a Togetherness as a Team.  The Bush Hill Boys have got all this, but times it by 100.  If I ever had to write an explanation for our Motto, I would simply say, “Read this Match Report!”, and for those of you who were lucky enough to see this game I think – Enough Said!

Today’s Man Of The Match – Rishi – Three Important Goals – Best Left Winger in the League.