UNDER 13’s   -      23/10/05

CHADWELL HEATH –v- BUSH HILL RANGERS

2                                3

With both teams flying high in the league and only separated by goal difference, today’s game was always going to be a test mentally and physically. Each side knowing how important a result would be.  The game started fast and furious, tackles were flying in as both teams tried to stamp their authority on the game.   Bush Hill created the first clear cut chance with Tashan coming close but then they responded immediately only to be denied by a great save by Taylan. Both teams were physical and passionate and chances in the first half were few and far between.  But then with six or so minutes to go to the break after some more good work Rishi put Tashan through who scored to make it 1-0. Bush Hill kept up the pressure in the closing stages and were unlucky not to add another. Chadwell broke and were rewarded a free kick just outside the penalty area, there were literally seconds to go to half time, the ball was swung in and in the chaos their striker unleashed a fierce shot from close range, Taylan was very unlucky not to hold onto it as the ball was forced home 1-1 at half time.

In my team talk at half time I praised the boys for their hard work and for giving as good as they got, and I urged them to find their belief that we are the better side.

The second half kicked off with Bush Hill on the attack and if it wasn’t for last ditch defending we would have added to the score. The game was still very physical and had to be stopped for a few minutes, after their striker clattered into Taylan who was left dazed after this challenge, which I felt deserved a card, that never came!  Soon after this incident Chadwell had the ball in the back of our net but the goal was disallowed for off-side.  Our pace and movement upfront began to tell and after a good shot by Alex, Tashan thumped the ball home for 2-1. Straight from the re-start Chadwell launched the ball into our area, this time Taylan came out and took everything out including ball and player, great courage! Our defence was being marshalled by Jamel and Baris who were kicked, elbowed and tripped throughout the game, even after another late challenge on Baris, who just stood up and wiped the blood from his mouth, our defence never looked like being breached. With five minutes or so before the end of the game, Ali who had been in the thick of it all day needed a rest, I told Robin to sit in the hole just in front of his defence as there were minutes left. Did he listen? – no! His first thought was to attack and after he broke free on the edge of their box he spanked one into the back of their net, 3-1 to Bush Hill. The Ref, indicated a couple of minutes left, Chadwell still had some fight in them and were awarded (in my opinion) a very soft penalty, which they scored, 3-2. Seconds later, the full time whistle blew.

Today’s Man Of The Match – Baris and Jamel – solid as a rock, and organised their troops like Generals!