The 'A's
An' a Happy New Year one an' all - the boys are back in town!
It seems ages since last we stood in a windy field, supping on hot chocolate and nibbling on a small bar of muesli, but my word it's good to be back!
Joe W. [GK], Ross, Rhys [a welcome return following his injury nightmare - great to see you back, mate!], Caldé, Reggie, Sam, Fin and Matt W. turned out champing at the bit against a team that had already proved to be pretty good themselves this season.
As the Ref blew his whistle for kick off . . . . one moment . . . Where's the pea? [ahem!]
As the Ref had to borrow a whistle to blow for kick off, both teams sprang into action; both looking good - both looking for an early goal. ASC won an early corner but, not for the first time today, the HPC defence proved strong, quick and clinical in their ability to clear their lines. They were soon at the other end, taking a free-kick just outside the ASC box. Rhys, making a glorious return was relying on muscle memory to get him through and those big ones in his neck [sternocleidomastoids?] reminded us what a great header-er-er-er of the ball he is.
On the break, Reg picked up the ball and was able to thread it through to Sam; his right foot shot seemed a dead cert for the opener but it was cleared on the line by the nippy HPC defender.
They don't come much nippier than Reggie when he gets going though - another great ball into Sam went agonizingly just wide. ASC looking good.
The HPC keeper was having a good game but in a 1-on-1 with Reggie was only able to parry it back to where it came from; Reggie's right foot. ASC 1 HPC 0
Soon after, Caldé showed great skill with a volley/cross that just missed the attacking ASC forwards. Another bit of individual skill from Fin followed soon afterward with a majestically executed move between him, Reg and Caldé. Looked like it was gonna be a good day!
Half time: ASC 1 HPC 0
The open stages were much as they'd been at the close of the first half. Joe W. was called into action with a fine save from a sharply struck HPC free-kick. However, not long after our opponents found the net with a blinder of a goal into the top right corner; beautifully struck. ASC 1 HPC 1
That's how it stayed in a game of end-to-end excitement. Ross got to the by-line and was able to zing a ball into the six yard box; ably defended by HPC.
Matt W. continues his great run in defence, remaining cool when the heat is on. HPC grew stronger as the game went on, but ASC were enjoying the test.
Joe averted a possible HPC winner as he marshalled his defence to pick up a runner on the edge of the box; great vision.
HPC then had their Russian Linesman moment as the ball rattled the bar from distance and landed just in front of the line for Joe to get down very bravely in the face of another onslaught from their attackers.
Fin showed great skill on the ball and led the siege on the HPC goal with Caldé and Reg. Once again, our opponents' defence was equal to it and as the whistle blew, it was the fairest result for all.
Well, when I say 'as the whistle blew' - you had to be standing down-wind of it to hear it. HPC didn't and went on an attack that saw a great goal scored. Shame it didn't count! [Phew!]
Final Score: ASC u10s 1 Hove Park Colts u10s 1
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The 'B's
Another good game for us proud families as Charlie [GK], Joe G., Sunny, Matt S., Joe W., Bill, Fraser, Max and Henry took to the field for the first time in a few weeks.
Bill was certainly in the wars today [that phrase was used with kind permission of ThingsYourGrannyWouldSay.com] as he fell victim to two thunderous, clattering tackles.
Max was looking good in midfield, but it was always going to be a tight affair as the boys looked for an opening. Enter Mr Joe G - or Thunderbolt as he's known in these here parts.
As he knocked it down a cog, the HPC defender was left clearing the mud from his eyes as he got caught in his wake. BOOM! ASC 1 HPC 0
HPC were quick to come back with a free-kick, ably cleared by Sunny & Matt S.; both staying as cool as ever. And they were called into action soon after in the face of an HPC break.
Our opponents were on fire but Charlie was equal to the onslaught with athletic and brave keeping.
Half time: ASC 1 HPC 0
A few 'A'dditions for HPC saw them work a beautiful move through the ASC defence and nab a quick equaliser. ASC 1 HPC 1
Bill returned to the field after the first half clattering only to be smashed into once again; nothing malicious, but his speed when he gets going was proving a bit too much for the HPC defenders' sense of timing.
It was end-to-end stuff with Max shooting just over and Henry playing strong in midfield. HPC executed another fine move but there was no beating Charlie again today.
Another fine display from the boys against a very good opposition from along the way.
Bill was asked to comment on the game but struggled somewhat ;)
Final Score: ASC u10s 1 Hove Park Colts 1
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