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UNDER 13’s   -   5/3/06

BUSH HILL RANGERS –v- CHADWELL HEATH

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Once again today we were up against our closest rivals, but today’s game had an extra edge to it, as both teams knew that if Bush Hill win today, we would be Champions! Before kick off, our preparation and warm up was as thorough as ever. Our team talk was focused and determined.  It was clear to see that both teams were determined not to lose today.

As the game kicked off, as expected the pace was frantic and the tackles were fierce.  Both teams were creating chances, but for the first ten minutes, both sets of defenders and goalkeepers were on top. Midway through the first half Bush Hill were awarded a corner, the ball was whipped in with curl and pace, Chadwell won the first header, but then the ball fell to Danny who was lurking at the back post, he showed great composure and forced the ball home, 1-0 to Bush Hill.  The Chadwell response was immediate and after a good move, their striker was denied by a great save, low to his left, by Taylan.  The fight was still on, and both sets of players were determined as ever. Both teams continued to create chances, however, the first half finished 1-0.    

At half time, I praised the boys on their attitude, and commitment, at times our football was sweet to watch, but we also needed to continue to show the steel that we have running through out team. I told them that if we continued to play in the second half the same way as we did in the first, I believed we would be Champions by the end of the day.

The second half kicked off and almost immediately, Bush Hill had the ball in the back of their net, but this was ruled off-side. Chadwell began to mount a sustained attack on our goal, but they came up against a powerful and determined defensive unit, including midfielders tracking back, and a back four creating a shield in front of Taylan, and when called upon Taylan showed just why I believe, he is the Best Keeper in the League!  Bush Hill had weathered the storm, and after some good work Alex made it 2-0. Chadwell were not finished yet, and after yet another corner to them, it took a massive effort in the scramble that followed, to clear our lines, the ball fell to Alex, who was just inside their half, and on the half volley, he thundered the ball past the stranded Chadwell keeper, 3-0 to Bush Hill. Credit to Chadwell, they never gave up.  The game was still fast and furious, after a good move by Chadwell, they were awarded a penalty. ‘Cometh the Moment, Cometh the Man’, Taylan, who had been outstanding all game was on his own, well, apart from the very loud and proud supporters on the touch line, his team mates were giving encouragement, the Chadwell boy took the penalty, Taylan would not be beaten, not today! After this save, the Bush Hill crew, supporters and players knew it was our day. With minutes to go, the ball fell to Tashan who finished to make it 4-0, final score. 

Bush Hill Under 13’s CHAMPIONS!!! I told the boys at the end how proud they made me, I told them we didn’t win it just today, a long season of hard work and focus, along with some good football, on our day we are untouchable!

Today’s Man Of The Match – ALEX     -  Powerful Upfront and in Midfield

                                                 TAYLAN - Brave and Determined!