Kings Heath Panthers U15 S 2 vs 0 Hampton Reds U15

Today we travelled to Division 1 Kings Heath Panthers in the open cup, looking to avenge last seasons dismal 10-0 defeat in the same fixture.

I have to say, as far as football pitches go, you’d do well to find a worse pitch than Kings Heath. Absolutely terrible, which I told their coach and surprised they manage to get interested players with those kind of facilities. Thats not me being a snob either, someone is paying money to use that pitch, it’s scandalous.

Anyway, no excuses, it’s the same for both teams and we know only 100% from everyone will allow us to compete today.

Hampton started solidly and the tone was really set by Harrison, first commanding his area from a corner then winning a 1v1 with their striker with a bone-crunching challenge.

Everywhere on the pitch Hampton were scrapping, with Oscar and Harry P playing very well at Full back and all we needed to do was keep battling and hope chances came our way.

Unfortunately midway through the first half, Kings Heath would get a fortunate deflected own goal that couldn’t be helped. A real slice of luck for a very relieved Kings Heath but a bitter blow for Hampton who were battling exceptionally.

This would test our resolve, as it could be quite easy here for heads to drop, but drop they didn’t. Rushy bursting down the left wing after some good work from Omar and the ball gets into the box only to be scrambled away by the Kings Heath defender. A very even first half ends 1-0 and all to play for.

Second half and we either sink or swim, as we needed to battle while trying to shift the momentum of the game. Kings heath had a half chance when their striker connected with a flick, only to be matched by the alert Harrison and tipped over. To be fair, most of their chances were light work for Harrison, he was never really troubled in goal and looked very assured today.

Hampton were battling and pressing but couldn’t quite get that rub of the green. Omar hitting one from distance that squirmed under the keepers body and just wide… the referee (who had a poor game) gave a goal kick despite this being a clear corner, which was very frustrating. Kings Heath were panicking now as Hampton were having more joy and getting the ball in the box more, when Ollie (now up front) managed to turn and shoot only to be saved by the keepers leg. With the clock ticking down, Hampton were throwing everything at it trying to get an equaliser and force it to pens, but we just couldn’t scramble that clear-cut opportunity together, despite amazing effort all over the pitch. Another hopeful shot that the keeper made a mess off and gave us a corner… honestly if we could just test this keeper with a clear chance I was sure we would score. With seconds left and a Hampton throw up the pitch, everyone was pushed forward to try and nick a chance, but we were fully exposed at the back with Harrison 1v4 and the game was killed off by a counter attack, 2-0.

We either gambled and went for it, or we lost 1-0, so no harm done.

This season against last season on this pitch was chalk and cheese, we left the pitch with our heads held high, with the applause of the opposition manager for such a great effort, and the biggest compliment I can pay the lads is that anyone watching the game today wouldn’t know these sides were separated by 3 divisions. It was our best performance in a long time, despite the result, and if we play like that next week, we will get what we deserve.

Really super efforts all over the pitch by everyone, Harrison, Oscar, Harry P, Sal (absolute monster today) Dawson, Ferrari, Rushy, Omar, Ollie (so unlucky with that chance!) Harry, Callan… honestly hats off to you all, what an effort.

MOTM today though went to Finley Dunn, who has consistently grafted and performed so far this season with no difference today, well done Fin!

Next week we travel to Rubery HUNTING our first 3 points of the season… NO MERCY for the opposition, a ruthless approach from the start and maximum effort will bring the rewards.

UTR

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