25 Oct 20
Oakes Development League
Rowhedge Juniors FC U9s 1 Vs 1 Cornard Dynamos Reds U9s
Our 4th league fixture of the season hosting an undefeated (in all competitions) Cornard Dynamos Reds. Having played them in a pre season friendly and drawing 2-2, we knew this was always going to be a difficult fixture.
Before the game started the heavens opened and the rain poured adding to an already boggy and churned pitch. However, just before KO the sun came out to provide the conditions for an entertaining game.
Both teams started brightly, full of energy - perhaps too much as the boys constantly lost their footing and struggled to find grip. With Rowhedge playing ‘up hill’ Cornard Dynamos were able to press forward playing the majority of their football down their right hand side. Thomas was more than up to covering the threat off, and with support of Will, who was excellent at CB, covering space behind, facilitated Thomas playing dangerous balls through the channels. One of these led to Rowhedge taking the lead; the ball played down the left, received by Alfie and played to Jeff which was drilled across the goalmouth for a Cornard defender to put in the back of their net.
Just before we rotated half way through the first half, Alfie took on an audacious shot from just over the half way, working the goalkeeper, but going just wide. After rotating, Rowhedge continued to look good for their lead. Another corner saw the ball laid off by Harry for Oakley to try a curling shot into the top left corner, again just wide.
Even with our threat, Cornard continued to look for the equaliser; Logan had to be on top form to make a number of key saves. Unfortunately, the warning signs were not grasped. We got carried away and from an open play goal kick, with the defence pushing too far forward, the ball fell short of the defence line and enabled a Cornard player to run onto the ball for a shot. The wet ball slipped through Logan’s hands as he attempted to make the save.
Half time 1-1
After a good team talk, Rowhedge imposed themselves and dominated the ground pressing a high line. We invited Cornard Dynamos space to attack as we were looking for a counter to get behind their lines, unfortunately, we were fairly flat in the final third with a ‘laxer daisy’ approach.
The standout moment in the second half was Oakley. He continued to deliver excellent corners and was really unlucky when hitting the underside of the crossbar for the ball to bounce down invitingly along the line; Cornard desperately manage to clear. There were some great moments of football but ultimately we were unable and unlucky not to convert.
In the end a draw was probably a fair reflection of the game; both teams, as a whole, working hard for the win but unable to find the winning goal. Players from both teams played with a robust but fair mentality.
Standout performance today was Logan who is looking more and more confident by the game. Solid for the team and progressing into an excellent goalkeeper.
We learn, we grow and we go again; next week Holland FC, another undefeated team in the league. Up the Hedge...
Captain - Bobby Players’ Player - Alfie Parents’ Player - Logan Managers’ Player - Logan
