MATCH REPORT - SELKENT LEAGUE 13-14 (Autumn): South Darenth vs JR Spartans 17th Nov 13
Our penultimate game of the season saw us away to South Darenth FC. We started the match with the following line up - Jack (GK), George, Finlay, Taran, Ben, Lovell and Callum (cpt). Callum won the toss and as we had discussed choose to kick down the slight slope of the Darenth pitch. The boys started well but it soon became obvious that this was going to be a very close and even battle. George, Finlay, Taran and Jack in goal were really strong and kept our oppenents at bay. Ben, Lovell and Callum battled hard in the middle of the park and they all tried hard to carve out scoring options. With approximately 20 minutes gone we had a throw in on the left. Lovell gather the ball from the throw in and passed the ball to Callum who then passed the ball through to Ben. Ben took the ball into the box and calmly slide the ball home for us to take the lead. Shortly afterwards Darenth had a rare attack on our goal, a shot was saved and parried by Jack only for the ball to be poked home for Darenth to draw level. The boys quickly got back into the groove and Taran, Callum and Ben all went close with great shots.
Half Time Score : South Darenth - 1, JR Spartans - 1
At half time the boys were advised that the game would be difficult as they would be attacking up hill. The second half started, as always, with some changes. Alfie came on for Ben, Kaci came on for Lovell and William replaced Callum. The boys started really well and there was great wing play by both Kaci and Alfie. William chased everything and made himself a real nusiance up front, battling for every ball to ensure we either kept possession or to put pressure on their defence (great work William). With Darenth pushing hard for a goal, by putting two up front, we went a little more defensive and got Taran to sit deeper to support Finlay and George. The formation worked well and George and Finlay along with Taran worked tirelessly to prevent any danger making its way through to our goal. When it did Jack was there to make some great saves and gather the ball. Alfie and Kaci also did there defensive bit to help keep the score at 1 - 1.
Full Time Score : South Darenth - 1, JR Spartans - 1
Managers comment :- A very pleasing performance by the whole team. This was always going to be a very even game looking at both team stats before the match. I was very impressed with how strong the team was physically, very rearly were the boys being muscled off the ball which was great to see. This result keeps us in second place with one game to play next wek against Danson White. Come on you Spartans you can do it, I know you can.
Captain: Callum
Man of the Match: Alfie