Forest Youth u11s v ASC Strikers u11s: Sunday 16th September 2012

The all new match report for Season 2012/13 coming to you with a snappy new title - ASC Strikers u11s - and I don't need to do two reports anymore!. We welcome some new members to the team as we go into our first competitive fixtures - things are looking good with the addition of Josh, Cameron and Owen [but whatever you do, don't clear your throat as the latter is about to strike for goal!]

On perhaps the most beautiful surface we will see all season and in the most attractive surroundings [not a pylon to be seen] ASC donned their snazzy away kit to face an old foe. Could the boys wipe away the FY Hoodoo? Would they need voodoo to wipe away the hoodoo? 

Maps and compasses were handed out to both teams to navigate the pitch. One of the boys asked if they needed to put their watch forward an hour when making a break upfront and in the first half it seemed our little men needed the security of each other with some Olympian bunching around the ball. After repeated shouts of 'SPREAD OUT!' from Matt, it was ASC who made the first foray goal-ward. Owen showed signs of things to come with a scorching shot and linked up well with Caldé to force the FY keeper into a desperate near post save. Very promising.

Of course, this is Forest Youth we're talking about and it wasn't long before they got into their stride down the left. A lovely passage of passing play saw them swing  a ball in from the left and the deftest of dinks left the keeper stranded. FY 1 ASC 0

From then, the first half evened out nicely. Solid defending [pushing] from FY kept them in front and all efforts from Owen, Josh and Reg were foiled. It seemed like a matter of time before ASC were on level terms. Some breathtaking passing between Caldé, Reg and Owen allowed Cam to connect with a sparkling through ball - just over.

FY then countered and somewhat robust ASC defending - couldn't see who by; as I said, it was a big pitch and I'd forgotten my binoculars - led to a penalty against the run of play. The goals in the u11 game are big. Joe, though quite tall, looked very small as the FY forward stepped up. FY2 ASC 0

Half time: Forest Youth 2 ASC Strikers 0

More aware of their surroundings and the dimension of the pitch, ASC came out rejuvenated [that's if 10/11 year olds can be rejuvenated?] after half time and began to turn the screw. This pressure told with a sparkling delivery from Fin, floating the ball over the advancing FY defence for Josh to calmly place over the left shoulder of the keeper. It was worth the 500 mile round trip he made from deepest Bexhill. FY2 ASC 1

This was certain to be ASC's first victory against FY. Their passing from defence into midfield was majestic. Sharpy and Ross refused to give in to the easy option of hoofing it as far forward as they could, only for it to return a few seconds later. Caldé even conjoured a left foot shot and an equaliser seemed on the cards. ASC's very own Keith Moon, Max, was calmness personified as he cleared his lines; there was no driving Rolls Royces into swimming pools from this boy today [although that is actually an urban myth].

However, as time marched on [games are now an hour long], FY continued to stifle their visitors efforts and began to find a way through, keeping ASC camped in their own half. Robust defending from Matt and Sunny kept them out and as always, Rhys and his 'Skull of Titanium' kept high balls at bay. A shot from the 'D' from Reg produced a great save and Owen and Josh continued to link up well, but as the game wore on it was clear that the elusive win was yet to be.

A fine performance in their first competitive game; certainly a shame that we couldn't break through but as we know, FY are a good team and the ASC boys can be proud of their efforts. Surely, good things are on the horizon. I don't know, I reckon we'll win next week's game against Pevensey & Westham. 6-5 I'm thinking? And it'll be flippin' POURING down. Just a hunch.

Full time: Forest Youth u11s 2 ASC Strikers u11s 1