Under 12 Match Reports

Sunday 25th April 2010 : Raw Skills 2 (1) v (2) 3 Ringmer Rovers
The U12's last league game of the season resulted in a tremendous 3-2 win against a Raw Skills vying for the Runners-up spot in Division A.

We started the game at a high tempo and enjoyed a lot of early possession, putting the opposition under pressure and looking to send Guy or Ben KP through on goal.  After a corner was not cleared Guy took possession and drove a great ball across the face of the goal for Charlie to put us 1-0 up from close range.  Soon after both Ben KP and Jake sent great through balls to Guy to keep up our early dominance of the game.  With Connor and Ben S as strong as ever in the centre of defence, Isabel winning a huge number of tackles and headers, Luke (on loan from the U11's) filling in well at left back and Nick winning lots of the ball in a holding midfield role, we looked as solid at the back as we have done all season.  Noah's handling and kicking were exceptional today as was his command of the penalty area and his communication with the players in front of him.  As half time approached, Raw Skills came more into the game and Noah was called on to make several good saves.  Shortly after Bradleigh played in Guy, whose shot was blocked and then Ben KP had a good shot from distance that the keeper held.  Almost on the stroke of half time, Raw Skills equalised when a free kick was only half cleared and the ball was driven back in past Noah from inside the area.

The second half was a very even affair.  Noah made a great save early on as the play swung from end to end.  Guy then put us 2-1 ahead with one of the goals of the season from outside the area into the top left hand corner of the net.  Raw Skills pulled the game back to 2-2 when they breached our defence and scored with a strong finish past Noah.  We regained the lead, however, when a corner was cleared and Ben KP's shot took a deflection off Bradleigh into the net.  Soon after Ben KP was close again when his shot from the area cleared the bar.

We managed to hold on for the final ten minutes with everyone working full out to close down the opposition, win the ball back and, once we had it, to try to keep Raw Skills in their own half.

So, a fantastic team performance, a great way to finish what has been a tough season in Division A and a great credit to the footballing abilities and character of the U12's-who should go into next season with renewed confidence.

Noah, Isabel, Ben S, Connor, Luke, Nick, Charlie, Bradleigh, Jake, Ben KP, Guy
POM: Guy

Sunday 18th April 2010 : Chailey & Newick Colts 0 (0) v (1) 1 Ringmer Rovers
With a break between league games, the U12's took the opportunity to play a match against local friends and rivals, Chailey and Newick.

With the hot conditions and dry, bumpy pitch making things difficult for both teams, the first chance of the game fell to Ringmer when Ben KP shot narrowly wide.  Not long after Jake headed on a long kick from Noah and Ben KP lobbed the keeper to put us 1-0 up.  Most of the action was in the Chailey half and we nearly went further ahead when a clearance hit the home team's crossbar.  As half time approached we had a number of shots from Jake, Bradleigh, Sam and Ben KP but could not find a way past the Chailey goalkeeper who made several good saves.

We could have extended our lead, early in the second half, when Ben KP was tripped in the box but his penalty was well saved.  The defence and Noah had less to do than in many of our league games and were equal to the task when called upon.

Ben KP hit the crossbar with a great lob, and a few other chances came and went, but the final score remained 1-0 and ensured the team enjoyed another victory to add to our improved performances over the last few weeks.

Noah, Isabel, Ben S, Connor, Charlie, Nick, Ieuan, Stan, Bradleigh, Jake, Ben KP, Guy Sub: Sam
POM: Sam

Sunday 28th March 2010 : Ringmer Rovers 0 (0) v (4) 5 Tonbridge A
The U12's recent unbeaten run came to a disappointing end as we paid the price for a lacklustre first half performance.  We started fairly brightly and, after Tonbridge had hit the bar, could have taken the lead.  Dominic put Guy through and his shot was pushed wide.  From the resulting corner Dominic headed narrowly over the bar.

Soon after Tonbridge took the lead when a corner went straight in.  With the wind behind them Tonbridge were quick and dangerous up front although the home defence held the line well to play them offside on a number of occasions.  They increased their lead when we were slow to close down an opposition player after the ball was cleared and he sent in a great shot from 25 yards. From another good move Tonbridge scored a third.  We came close to pulling a goal back when Guy's left foot shot drifted just wide but went further behind when Tonbridge scored a fourth from a header after a flowing move.  We had another chance to narrow the gap when Ben KP rounded the keeper but was crowded out just near the goal line.

Our second half performance was much more encouraging.  With the wind behind us we began to press the opposition and to play the ball around much better. Tonbridge scored a fifth with a great finish from a corner but after that Noah was rarely troubled in the Ringmer goal.  From our best move, after a series of passes, Bradleigh played a lovely through ball to Ben KP but he was just unable to get there ahead of the visiting keeper.  Jake won a number of challenges in midfield and played the ball through the opposition defence and from one of these Guy's close range effort sailed just wide.

On our second half showing we deserved at least a goal but we need to make sure we are sharper all round for our last league game against Raw Skills in April.

Noah, Stan, Ben S, Connor, Charlie, Nick, Bradleigh, Jake, Ben KP, Dominic, Guy Sub: Isabel
POM: Jake

Sunday 21st March 2010 : Spartan 5 (2) v (4) 7 Ringmer Rovers
In a hugely exciting game the U12's continued their recent run of fine form to record their second win in a fortnight and remain unbeaten for 3 weeks.

We made the best possible start when we took the lead in the first few minutes. Guy skillfully took the ball around a defender on the touchline and pulled it back to Bradleigh who finished from close range.  Soon after Dominic scored with a fantastic diving header from Guy's corner and then, a short while later, Bradleigh increased our lead when he finished from Guy's corner for his second. Spartan however were dangerous on the break and from set pieces, pulling a goal back from a corner to make it 3-1 to us.  Sam (on loan for a third week from the U11's) drew a good save from the home keeper and soon after Charlie cleared the ball off our goaline. Spartan then pulled another goal back for 3-2 but we increased our lead to 4-2 when Sam set up Guy in the area who finished confidently.  There was still time for Spartan to hit the post but we went into halftime with a two goal advantage.

The second half started with a great run and cross from Guy and a period of Ringmer pressure.  Nick and Jake combined well to play in Guy but his shot flew narrowly wide.  Guy scored his second with a great low shot from 25 yards only for Spartan to score again from a corner making it 5-3 to us.

Ben S, who was outstanding again in the heart of defence with Connor, sent forward a long clearance that the Spartan keeper couldn't hold and Jake followed up to put us 6-3 ahead.  To their credit, Spartan never gave up and from two good flowing moves managed to score two quick goals to put them a goal behind, 6-5, with five minutes still to play. After this, we created several good openings and had a number of shots narrowly wide.  With very little time left, Nick drilled in a great low shot from the edge of the box to secure another well-deserved victory!

On a heavy pitch we played some very good football at times today.  It was a real pleasure to see the team playing with such confidence and enjoyment again and hopefully it sets us up nicely for our remaining two league games of the season.

Noah, Charlie, Ben S, Connor, Isabel, Nick, Stan, Bradleigh, Jake, Dominic, Guy Sub: Sam
POM: Ben S

Sunday 14th March 2010 : Ringmer Rovers 2 (0) v (0) 1 Spartan
After our encouraging 2-2 draw last week, the under 12's went one better to record their first League victory of the season.

Again we started brightly, taking the game to Spartan and enjoying a lot of early possession. Sam (on loan again from the u11's) had a shot blocked in the area and we worked hard to create openings and send Guy or Ben KP through on goal.

The defence were again superb with Ben S and Connor outstanding in the middle. The midfield worked hard as well, to close down the opposition and go on the attack.  Noah too came off his line well to clear or claim the ball when it was played over the defence.  The first half was very evenly matched and ended 0-0.

Spartan put us under pressure early in the second half and twice went close to scoring, with Noah making a great save on the first occasion.  After that we worked our way back into the game, putting the Spartan defence under pressure. With the midfield linking well and playing the ball forward to Guy and more shots on goal from the home team we began to gain the upper hand. Shortly after Nick's shot was charged down for a corner, Bradleigh sent a great through ball to Guy who finished strongly into the top right hand corner.  With the defence again standing strong and Isabel, in particular, winning several tackles and headers, we managed to contain the attacking threat.

With about five minutes to go we broke forward in numbers and the ball was played square to Jake who sent a great shot hard and low into the net from the edge of the area.

We endured a nervous last few minutes after Spartan pulled a goal back, but we held on to win the game which was a fantastic reward for all the hard work and commitment of everyone on the team-especially after the difficult season we have had.

Noah, Charlie, Ben S, Connor, Nick, Bradleigh, Stan, Guy, Jake, Sam, Ben KP Sub: Isabel, Dominic
POM: Connor

Sunday 7th March 2010 : Ringmer Rovers 2 (2) v (0) 2 Raw Skills
In an very entertaining match the U12's put in, by far, their best performance of the season and were unfortunate not to come away with their first League win after leading 2-0 and then 2-1 with five minutes to go.

We started brightly and took the game to Raw Skills. Ben KP had the ball in the net very early on but the goal was disallowed for offside-though it seemed to have touched a defender on it's way through. Soon after Jake had a shot from distance which the goalie held well and then Guy put a free kick just over the bar. Soon after Jake slotted a lovely through ball to Guy who finished with an excellent shot over the opposition keeper.  Noah then made a good full length save and Charlie, who had an outstanding game, cleared the loose ball.  Jake then sent a great volleyed pass forward to Guy who ran on and again finished in style.  Next Guy put over a great cross and Stan was just unable to direct his volley on target. Ben KP then released Guy again but the ball bobbled up and his shot cleared the bar.  With all the team working tirelessly, Connor organising the defence superbly and Ben KP and Bradleigh covering huge areas of the pitch we were good value for our lead at half time.

We started the second half well.  After Noah had made another good save, Sam (on loan from the U11's) put in Guy whose shot went narrowly over.  Raw Skills then got a goal back with a good flowing move the length of the field and a close range finish.  With not long left Ben S was very unlucky not to extend our lead from Guy's corner.  With five minutes to go Raw Skills levelled from the penalty spot but we were very unlucky not to get a winner when Guy was one on one with the keeper and his shot went agonisingly wide, Sam headed over from the resulting corner and then Ben KP had a half chance in the six yard box.

All in all a hugely encouraging performance after our recent results and one which, hopefully, will give us confidence and self belief as we go into our last few games.

Noah, Charlie, Ben S, Connor, Isabel, Bradleigh, Stan, Guy, Jake, Dominic, Ben KP Sub: Sam
POM: Charlie

Sunday 21st February 2010 : Crowborough 10 (4) v (0) 0 Ringmer Rovers
This match followed the pattern of so many of our games this season. We conceded a very early goal but then enjoyed our best spell of the game where we started to pass the ball better and looked strong at the back with Guy and Isabel outstanding in defence and Noah making a number of good saves.  Although we broke forward on several occasions we found it hard to create clear-cut chances. We conceded an unfortunate second when the ball looped up off a defender over Noah and, at half time, found ourselves 0-4 behind.

In driving rain and with parts of the pitch cutting up badly, we continued to make a game of it for much of the second half against a strong, physical Crowborough team but tired as the game reached the latter stages and started to concede goals more frequently.

Guy moved into midfield and broke forward on a number of occasions and was unfortunate not to get the goal his efforts deserved. We stuck to the task as best we could until the final whistle with Noah again making several good saves and Stan making a great goal line clearance but finished on the end of another heavy defeat.

Noah, Stan, Ben S, Guy, Isabel, Bradleigh, Nick, Jake, Charlie, Stevie, Connor
POM: Guy

Sunday 14th February 2010 : Tonbridge 5 (0) v (0) 1 Ringmer Rovers
A good first-half performance by Ringmer wasn't enough to avoid defeat against Tonbridge, and although the 5-1 scoreline looked comfortable, Ringmer would have had a bigger say in the game had they managed to finish their chances.  The first ten minutes of the game were played almost exclusively in Tonbridge's half, with Ringmer winning a series of corners, and creating openings through some good inter-play between Guy, Ben KP and Connor.  But as Ringmer looked like they might start to dominate, they couldn't quite find the right combination to really test Tonbridge's keeper.  The back four coped comfortably with Tonbridge counter-attacks, but as the half progressed, Tonbridge seemed to realise they had weathered the storm and became bolder in their attacking ambitions, hitting the post just before the break and finishing the stronger side. 

Tonbridge were quickest out of the traps after the break, catching a reshuffled Ringmer defence on the back foot, and scoring two quick goals.  There was a touch of good fortune about their third, as it seemed to pass through five Ringmer players before entering the goal.  Dominic pulled a goal back with a fine cross from the left which the goalkeeper dropped into his own net, but Tonbridge continued to attack, and scored two further goals.  Ringmer matched Tonbridge in virtually every area, but the home team's stronger finishing - with a couple of exceptional goals - made the difference.

Noah, Ieuan, Ben S, Nick, Isabel, Ben KP, Charlie, Guy, Jake, Bradleigh, Connor Subs: Dominic, Stan
POM: Nick

(Thanks to Alex Lahood for the match report and to Neil, Alex & James for taking charge of the team in Ian's absence)

Sunday 7th February 2010 : Crowborough 10 (4) v (0) 0 Ringmer Rovers
Despite another heavy defeat, the U12's put up a brave, battling performance. On a large pitch, with only 10 players we worked tirelessly to compete against a very strong Crowborough team. At 0-3 we enjoyed our best spell in the game with some good football on the counter attack. Nick was through on goal but his shot was saved and, shortly after, Charlie narrowly headed over from a corner.

Guy was excellent playing in the centre of defence and Ben KP won tackle after tackle all over the pitch. Despite Noah making a string of outstanding saves, we arrived at half time 0-4 down.

In the second half we struggled to stem the tide of Crowborough attacks but kept going and at times played some neat football.  As the half wore on we began to tire and Crowborough scored another six goals without reply.

Noah, Stan, Ben S, Guy, Bradleigh, Ben KP, Charlie, Nick, Jake, Connor
POM: Ben KP

Sunday 24th January 2010 : Ringmer Rovers 0 (0) v (4) 10 Tunbidge Wells Foresters Cardinals
Our first game of 2010 ended in a heavy defeat in our fourth fixture against TWF this season.  Again we let in an early goal and soon found ourselves 0-3 down.  At this point we began to play our best football of game and matched TWF for most of the rest of the first half.  We were unlucky not to reduce the arrears with Guy drawing a good save with an excellent shot after Ben KP's lay off and Dominic narrowly heading over Jake's resulting corner.  We put together some good moves going forward and the defence held firm with Stevie, in particular, getting in some good tackles.  At half time we were 0-4 down.

We never really got going in the second half.  TWF were fitter and stronger and, although we never gave up, we could not prevent them piling on the goals to inflict our heaviest ever defeat at 11-a side football.

Noah, Stevie, Ben S, Nick, Charlie, Guy, Bradleigh, Jake, Dominic, Ben KP, Connor
POM: Stevie

Sunday 13th December 2009 : Ringmer Rovers 0 (0) v (3) 4 Tunbridge Wells Foresters Cardinals
Despite finishing on the losing side again, we put up a strong performance against Cardinals and the gap between the sides looked far less than it had in previous encounters this season.  This previously postponed fixture was played at Convent Field, Lewes and both teams found playing on a very heavy surface difficult.

We conceded a very early goal again but, thereafter, played some good football in patches and created a number of chances with Ben KP unlucky not to reduce the arrears.  At half time we found ourselves 0-3 down.

Despite this, we really took the game to TWF in the second half, enjoying a lot of possession and putting together some nice moves going forward, with Jake, Guy and Ben KP combining well.  The defence worked very hard again with Ben S having another good game.  Unfortunately we were unable to convert any of the chances we created and TWF scored a fourth goal in the last 10 minutes to run out 4-0 winners.

However, the team were again fantastic in their commitment and attitude and drew praise from the opposition coaches and parents.

Noah, Stan, Ben S, Connor, Isabel, Stevie, Bradleigh, Tommy, Guy, Jake, Ben KP  Sub: Charlie
POM: Ben KP

Sunday 22nd November 2009 : Worthing Dynamos 4 (3) v (0) 2 Ringmer Rovers - Sussex Jewell Trophy Rnd 2
In the first game for 3 weeks, the U12's finally played their twice postponed cup game against Worthing Dynamos.  We got off to the worst possible start when we conceded almost straight from the kick off and then found ourselves 3-0 down with five minutes gone.  To make matters worse we then lost goalie Noah who was feeling ill and Nick took over in goal.

At that stage it really looked like we were in for a very heavy defeat but, to the credit of everyone in the team, we fought our way back into the game and matched Worthing every step of the way.  With Nick handling well and making several important saves we settled down and began to pass the ball well going forward.  The Worthing keeper made two smart saves from Ben KP and Jake, and Guy was unlucky not to pull a goal back shortly before half time.

We started the second half brightly, defended strongly and created a number of good chances again.  Guy reduced the arrears with a fantastic finish from Jake's through ball and we continued to put the Worthing defence under pressure. Our own defence had to be strong against some powerful Worthing attacks and Nick again kept goal confidently in the second half.  We were unfortunate to concede a debatable penalty, which Nick had no chance with, but continued to push forward.  Soon after we had a goal disallowed when a free kick went in off Ben KP from an offside position.

After Stan had cleared off the line, we worked the ball down the pitch and Guy turned and finished well from inside the area. The last few minutes were played in driving rain and hail and we continued to press right up to the final whistle.  A magnificent performance after a disappointing start where a draw would not have flattered us.

Noah, Stan, Ben S, Ieuan, Nick, Connor, Bradleigh, Stevie, Guy, Jake, Ben KP  Subs: Isabel
POM: Nick

Sunday 1st November 2009 : Tonbridge A 3 (1) v (0) 1 Ringmer Rovers
In atrocious weather conditions, the U12's put up a terrific performance, before going down 3-1 to Tonbridge. Playing into the strong wind and driving rain in the first half, we more than held our own. Everyone fought tirelessly to win the ball and deny our opponents scoring opportunities. Going forward, we played some neat, attractive football with often our final pass just going astray. Noah commanded his area and his handling in difficult circumstances was exceptional. Unfortunately, after holding Tonbridge at bay for so long, they scored within seconds of half time with a fabulous dipping shot from just outside the area.

We started the second half very strongly with the wind at our backs and dominated the early play. Guy had a number of good shots from distance and we soon levelled the scoring when Jake's corner went straight in.

For the next 10 minutes or so we looked the most likely team to score, creating a number of good openings. However, from a long through ball, Tonbridge breached our defence and scored to go into the lead. The team continued to give their all with Nick and Ben S outstanding in defence. With a few minutes to go Tonbridge scored a third to seal the win, but the whole team can feel satisfied with such a committed and positive performance.

Noah, Stan, Ben S, Nick, Isabel, Connor, Bradleigh, Stevie, Guy, Jake, Ben KP  Subs: Ieuan POM: Noah

Sunday 18th October 2009 : Tunbridge Wells Foresters Colts 3 (1) v Ringmer Rovers (2) 5 - C&DJFL CUP
Our long awaited first win of the season finally arrived with a great team performance and a thoroughly deserved victory which was more emphatic than the scoreline suggests.

After going a goal behind within the first minute, we dominated the first half. With the defence first to every ball, Connor and Bradleigh controlling midfield, Jake and Dom providing great crosses from both wings and BenKP and Guy terrorizing the home defence, it was only a matter of time before we equalised. After several near misses, including Connor hitting a post, and some outstanding saves from the TW keeper, Dom drew us level with a close range header from Guy's cross. Soon after BenKP chased and won a ball in the area which broke to Tommy who finished confidently for his first goal for Ringmer Rovers to put us 2-1 ahead.

We continued to have the majority of possession and chances in the second half but again missed chances and good goalkeeping kept the score close. It looked like we might pay for this when TW equalised with a great dipping shot from outside the area, and then took the lead with about 10 minutes to go. However, we continued to battle and to play some good attacking football. BenKP drew us level when he followed up his own shot to rifle the rebound into the roof of the net and then Connor put us back into the lead with a lobbed shot from outside the area. Guy secured the victory in the last few minutes with a great run and cool chipped finish to confirm our first win of the 2009-10 season.

Noah, Stan, Ben S, Nick, Charlie, Jake, Bradleigh, Connor, Dominic, Guy, Ben KP  Subs: Tommy, Stevie
POM: Bradleigh

Sunday 11th October 2009 : Ringmer Rovers 1 (0) v (3) 7 Tunbridge Wells Foresters Cardinals
Until we conceded the first goal about 15 minutes into the first half we held our own against Foresters, coping well with their attacking threat and playing several good balls into our opponents' penalty area. As the half progressed Foresters became increasingly dangerous on the attack and we found it hard to contain their midfield who broke forward quickly and in numbers. Despite our best efforts and more great goalkeeping from Noah, we found ourselves 0-3 down at half time.

In the second half, with a strong wind behind us, we enjoyed much more possession and created a number of promising openings without being able to deliver the final touch. Although we fell further behind to 0-5, the team kept battling hard, especially in defence where Ben S had a very good game. We reduced the deficit to 1-5 when Guy headed Jake's free kick into Ben KP's path and he finished well. Unfortunately we couldn't make any of our other chances count and TW finished strongly, scoring another two to run out 7-1 winners.

Noah, Stevie, Ben S, Ieuan, Isabel, Bradleigh, Connor, Guy, Jake, Dominic, Ben KP  Subs: Stan, Tommy POM: Ben S

Sunday 4th October 2009 : Ringmer Rovers 0 (0) v (3) 7 Crowborough Athletic
The U12's tough start to life in Division A continued with an emphatic defeat at the hands of last seasons champions Crowborough Athletic although for large periods of the first half we matched our opponents. From our best move Bradleigh and Guy played some good passing football to release Ben KP whose shot was well saved by the visiting keeper. With Nick winning the ball in the air, Isabel winning tackle after tackle and the team working hard across the pitch we restricted our visitors to few chances and were perhaps unlucky to find ourselves 0-3 behind at half time.

As last week, the opposition took control of the game and created a number of chances in the second half, with Noah again making some excellent saves. Our few attacks were well defended by Crowborough and we found it difficult to pose much of an attacking threat. Crowborough were strong all over the pitch, passed the ball round well and ran out comfortable winners.

Noah, Charlie, Bradleigh, Nick, Isabel, Bertie, Jake, Connor, Tommy, Ben KP, Guy  Subs: Dominic, Stevie
POM: Isabel

Sunday 27th September 2009 : Tunbridge Wells Foresters Cardinals 8 (1) v (0) 1 Ringmer Rovers
Although we were trailing 0-1 at half time, no one would have expected the final score. In the first half we matched TW and played some of our best football so far this season. We might even have taken the lead when Jake's shot came back off the post. Tommy was also close with a header from a corner and we had a number of shots from outside the area. We worked hard all over the pitch and Noah also made a number of good saves and catches.

After TW scored 3 quick goals early in the second half, however, they began to dominate the game. Apart from a brief spell, when Guy finished well after Jake put him through to reduce the scoreline to 1-4 and then Guy again narrowly put the ball wide, TW broke forward repeatedly and created numerous chances. Despite some dogged defending and more good work from Noah we tired visibly in the latter stages of the game enabling TW to increase their goals tally to 8.

Noah, Stan, Stevie, Nick, Ben S, Bradleigh, Guy, Connor, Jake, Tommy, Ben KP Subs: Ieuan, Charlie
POM: Nick

Sunday 20th September 2009 : Raw Skills 5 (4) v (2) 2 Ringer Rovers
Against a quick, skilful Raw Skills side we competed well for large parts of the game and played some good football.

We took the lead when Guy scored with a great free-kick from outside the area after he'd been fouled. After Noah had already made the first of several fantastic saves, Raw Skills equalised with a lovely strike from the edge of the area. We then fell 2-1 behind after Noah pulled off a great one handed save but Raw Skills capitalised when we were unable to clear. Going forward we continued to try to play the ball to feet and created a number of good passing moves. Raw Skills were always dangerous on the attack and soon increased their lead to 4-1 with a close range finish and a superb shot from outside the area. Shortly before half-time Ben KP was brought down in the area and Jake stepped up to reduce the deficit to 4-2 which remained the score at half time thanks to a double save from POM Noah and a headed goalline clearance from Jake.

Raw Skills increased their lead to 5-2 from the penalty spot early in the second half and that is how it stayed- in part due to more great goalkeeping from Noah, some resolute defending and the help of the crossbar. We fashioned a few half chances ourselves, forced some corners and could have maybe scored again.

With key players unavailable today and no subs the team worked tirelessly and showed a superb attitude.

Noah, Isabel, Stevie, Ieuan, Charlie, Bradleigh, Ben S, Guy, Jake, Nick, Ben KP POM: Noah

Sunday 13th September 2009 : Ringmer Rovers 3 (2) v (4) 4 Spartan
Our first match in Division A saw us narrowly lose a close game against newcomers Spartan. We got off to a great start when early on, from a long kick from Noah, Ben KP played the ball through for Guy who beat the advancing keeper to put us 1-0 up. We only held the lead for a short while, however, as Spartan got behind our defence and drew the score level. With space and time hard to find on the small pitch we found it difficult to get going some of the passing football we played last season. We fell behind 1-2 when a Spartan midfielder looped the ball up over Noah from the edge of the box.

Ben KP then levelled the score to 2-2 when he finished well after Guy had put him through. Spartan then went 3-2 ahead when a first time, long range shot from distance found the corner of the net. Before half time our opponents went 2 goals ahead when a Spartans forward capitalised on a mistake in our area. Without a great last ditch tackle from Bradleigh soon after, it could have been more.

We came out strongly after half time and enjoyed a lot of possession. Guy scored with a great shot into the roof of the net from Bradleigh's lay off. Unfortunately we could not find an equaliser, with shots from Ben KP and Tommy going just over. Noah also made a tremendous save pushing the ball onto the crossbar.

Noah, Bradleigh, Stevie, Nick, Charlie, Connor, Guy, Bertie, Jake, Dominic, Ben KP  Subs: Isabel, Ben S, Tommy
POM: Bradleigh