This week the U14’s had a friendly at home against Farncombe.
The events unfolded under the watching eye of Brian. Storm Brian that was and shall we say, the conditions were less than perfect. Ian Barker braved it like a trooper and didn’t even wear a coat as he felt this may impede his gazelle like movement along the touch line.
Farncombe had slightly depleted numbers so we commenced with 9 v 10. Both teams started well and tried to play some good passing football on what can only be described as a challenging surface. Let’s just say, I wish the grass in my garden grew as well! With the new 4-4-2 format ( modified as not 11 players!) good passing play in midfield with Ben B, Max and Sam created a few chances early on for Liam, Josh and Ollie but the Farncombe defence held strong and the score remained 0-0 deep into the first half. More good work saw midfield pass a ball through to Sam who skilfully ran round the keeper and slotted it bottom right. Farncombe’s centre forward was a bit of a handful but solid work from Will C, Ben S, Greg and Harvey with Will D in goal kept him at bay.
A cunning tactical change by the managers at half time saw Harvey move up into midfield and Will D move into defence with Josh the new keeper. Now playing 9 v 9, the new defence line up continued to hold strong and Harvey, Max and Sam moved the ball around well in midfield to start breaking down the tiring oppo. Some good passing moves saw Max supply Harvey where he delivered a clinical left foot finish from from the edge of the area putting Cranleigh two up.
Cranleigh then became very dominant and three further goals from Ollie, Max and Ben B sealed Farncombe’s fate but they rallied and their centre forward scored a lovely left foot shot that he had been threatening to do most of the game. This was a great team performance with a new format and the signs looking ahead are very promising.
Final score 5-1
Man of the Match: Harvey
