U9 Kestrels 28 Jan 2012

Kestrels have wings clipped but are flying in right direction  

The Kestrels were up against the Div 2 “Champions elect” Wey Valley Warriors a division higher than Mytchett & undefeated in the league this season. It was going to be a chance for the boys to pit themselves against a team in the division we could get promoted to & to see how they may cope with a higher level of football next season. We had already played a Div 2 team in the League Cup, narrowly being beaten 2-1 after extra time in one of our performances of the season.

We also were able to welcome Libby to the squad after sealing our transfer window swoop from the Eagles & she started as a substitute.

The Kestrels were not overawed & tried to stick to their principles of passing & moving. This combined with a rigid defence, one of the meanest in our division, & the morning was set for a great battle.

In the first half our boys played very well, they attacked down both flanks through Max & Sam but could not get the ball through to Luke who needed to come a bit deeper to collect. The message got through & with some great midfield work by both Alex & Kian they held their own against the Warriors. At the back Henry was once again in control timing his tackles to perfection & with Cameron also blocking everything & keen to break forward the Warriors could not find a way past. Joseph in goal expected a more testing morning & coped admirably with balls played into his box & again kicked well both from hands & feet using the ball wisely in picking out Max to engineer another marauding run into the Warriors box.

The closest either team came to breaking the deadlock was a chance for the Warriors on the right where breaking into our box the forward shot from an acute angle towards goal. Somehow Joseph stretched out his arm & got a hand to the ball to tip it over the bar, a save that brought rapturous applause from both sets of supporters & many a pat on the back from team mates.

We went into the break goalless.

HALF TIME – KESTRELS 0 WARRIORS 0

The second half saw the Warriors seize the advantage early as the #7 teased our defenders on a dribbling run into our box form the right & unleashed an unstoppable shot into the far corner that even with Joseph’s full length dive he could not get near.

The Kestrels did not let their heads drop & within 5 minutes were level. Luke picked up the ball on the edge of the box, jinked past his man & just before reaching the by-line cut the ball back to Sam. Having beaten the keeper with the cross the net was empty & the cross struck Sam to volley into an empty net.

This was short lived as another run from the #7 saw him cut into our box from the left & shoot towards the far corner which Joe could not reach.

Once again the Kestrels came back & from a corner great movement confused the Warriors defenders & Kian struck a majestic volley goalwards but a slight deflection took it wide for another corner. The next corner was played in & missed everybody but was turned back towards Alex on the edge of the box who just shot wide.

From a throw the ball was passed by Kian to Max’s feet who blasted his shot at goal but the keeper parried well. It was from the break that we conceded again as we had exposed Libby at the back. As she went to close off the runner 2 players were left unmarked in the box & one coolly slotted past Joseph to make the score 1-3.

One final attack from the Kestrels saw Kian pick out a lovely pass to Luke who shot wide.

It was a terrific performance against a good side, one that gives many positives. Libby found her feet & settled into the side & will play an important part in our remaining games. It is back to league action next week when we hope to strengthen our grip on second place & continue to chase down the leaders.

FULL TIME – KESTRELS 1 WARRIORS 3