The 'A's
A week before his FA Cup date at Old Trafford with Crawley FC, ex-Albion keeper Michel Kuipers had much bigger fish to fry at a sunny, but chilly Buck Park.
Joe W. [GK], Joe G., Fin, Nathan, Ryan, Max B., Rhys and Caldé took to the field after a bit of an absence. The last time the two teams met Seagulls used a somewhat unorthodox defensive technique. Our opponents were soon on the front foot and Joe W. came out top in a 1-on-1 with the Former Dutch Marine's son; a great confidence builder for the whole team. Rhys, once again leading the line in a Henry V stylee, slammed a precision through ball to Fin who only just pinged it wide.
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| Henry V |
He repeated the feat in a very even passage of play, this time to Caldé who scared the be-jay-sus out of the Seagulls keeper as it streaked like an Exocet across his goal. We were playing like demons.
The Forest Youth game had clearly had an effect on the Strikers' desire to pass the ball around; Matt & Phil's coaching once again paying dividends as the boys gave their opponents a footballing lesson. It was only a matter of time before they took the lead.
And they did just that mid-way through the first half. A beautifully controlled ball from Max B. was put through to Fin in midfield who scared the Seagulls defence into making a rash tackle. The resulting free-kick could only be parried into the path of a loitering Joe G. and the diminutive striker doesn't miss from there. ASC 1 Seagulls 0
Strikers were soon back in possession from the kick off and a precision drop kick from Joe W. [clearly impressing his former goalkeeping hero on the Seagulls touchline] was flicked on by Fin into the path of Joe G. who, tackled at the death, forced a corner in the closing minutes.
Caldé's gentle chip to the near post was flicked into the bottom right hand corner by Ryan; a sure contender for goal of the season - sublime.
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| A sub |
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| A lime |
Half time: ASC 2 Seagulls 0
Seagulls returned as wounded animals and attempted to impose themselves on the game. An obstruction on Fin led Nathan to attempt a somewhat speculative shot which only just missed it's target. Rhys, playing like a boy two or three years older, showed his characteristic bravery as a high ball was headed back towards the Seagulls players; it cleared the halfway line.
Nathan turned provider with an astounding through ball to Joe G. - just wide. Rhys was able to stand tall and not commit to a dangerous tackle on the edge of the area. Seagulls were struggling to cope with the wall in front of them. Strikers midfield were having a great game, building from defence with Rhys and Caldé linking up beautifully.
Seagulls began to press halfway through the second period bringing Fin into play as a defender; his well timed tackles saving the team on more than one occasion. Max B. had a near post strike well saved and Caldé almost broke to put the score beyond doubt.
A fine save by the Seagulls keeper saw the ball break to their forward leaving Joe W. to deal with his second 1-on-1 of the game. This time the ball ended up in the back of the net. ASC 2 Seagulls 1.
That proved to be the final action of the game. ASC had held out and achieved a well deserved victory against a fast improving Seagulls side. Strong defence and great midfield passing being the key to success. Marvellous.
And Michel Kuipers tripped over my dog.
Final Score: ASC Strikers 2 Seagulls u9s 1
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The 'B's
Rhys [GK], Joe W., Sunny, Sharpy,Tom, Alfie, Fraser and Max M. strode up for the challenge against the Seagulls 2nd team.
Alfie had an early opportunity saved at short range and Seagulls returned the compliment soon after with a speculative cross/shot that looped just over the bar. From here the match developed into the proverbial game of chess, with only Fraser breaking the deadlock with a left wing run that almost broke through the Seagulls defence.
For those of you who've actually watched a game of chess you'll understand it's not a great spectator sport, although the man on the left of this picture does have an amusingly large nose.
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| People playing chess |
Sharpy's defensive skills have come on brilliantly in the past few games and it was looking very unlikely that Seagulls would make the breakthrough either.
Half time ASC 0 Seagulls 0
As you were in the second half with Seagulls coming on strong and the defensive nous of Max M. holding the opponents at bay. Rhys's only real action of the day came in a 1-on-1; the winner of which was in little doubt. After all, this is Rhys we're talking about.
Alfie picked up a ball from a great run byTom off the right wing and put it just wide. Joe W. stuck a ball into the mixer only to find nobody on the other end in the bowl of 'Angel Delight' [I really must sort these analogies out].
And so the game continued. The ref, by now looking at planes flying into Shoreham Airport, had to be reminded to blow the whistle by the Park Keeper who wanted to lock up and three of the parents had to be wrapped in silver blankets and fed Chicken Noodle Soup.
The kids enjoyed it though - and THAT'S the main thing.
Final Score: ASC Strikers 0 Seagulls u9s 0
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