Dunton Dynamos U10 Match Report - 18th February 2007

Wickford Town Panthers 2 - 3 Dunton Dynamos

Captain This Week - Billy

Scorers - George, OG, Jordan

Man Of The Match - Jordan - Worked hard for the team and scored the winner!

This fixture was played at our home ground as Wickford's pitch was waterlogged. Our pitch was also very heavy but was certainly playable (even if it did resemble something from the Somme when the game was over!).

Dunton had a severely depleted side with Brandon (away) and Calum (sick) unable to play. John was also feeling unwell and only managed about ten minutes of the game before being replaced by Ethan. We therefore knew this was not going to be an easy game, especially as the Wickford side had shown some excellent recent form.

Both teams started brightly with the ball being moved swiftly from end to end. The defensive trio of Harry, Billy and Cameron looked well-organised and didn't let much past them in the early exchanges. George, John and Jordan played up-front and did their best to cope with the sticky conditions which made our usual passing game difficult to execute.

The Dynamos had the lion's share of the early possession but the Wickford side were well-organised and coped well with our attacks. Indeed it was Wickford who scored first - a superbly executed lob from outside the box giving our keeper no chance.

The Dynamos were quick to reply scoring from the very next attack. Good work by Jordan on the left was followed by a rifled shot by George which went in off the post. The keeper made an excellent attempt to save the shot but the pace of the shot just beat him.

The Dynamos added a somewhat fortuitous second soon after. Following sustained pressure, Jordan again broke clear and centred the ball into the box. It rebounded off a defender's leg into the Wickford net. And that's how it stayed until half-time.

In the second half, the conditions started to take their toll. The pitch was very heavy and some of the players were starting to look very "leggy". Wickford became the dominant side and mounted a number of attacks on the Dunton goal. Eventually their efforts were rewarded with an equaliser five minutes from full-time. Following good work in the centre of the park, a low drive on goal was struck from just inside the box. The ball bobbled towards the goal, hit the post and trickled across the line. It was almost as if in slow motion! The Wickford manager was quick to applaud the effort, but was heard to say "hit it harder next time!".

George came off with five minutes to go after working his socks off in the midfield. Wickford continued to attack but with both teams looking tired, gaps were starting to open up all over the pitch. Cameron went on another of his jinking runs down the left side and played an excellent through ball for Jordan to run onto. Jordan took full advantage closing in on the Wickford goal and thundered a blistering shot into the roof of the net giving the Wickford keeper no chance of making the save.

Dunton managed to hold onto this lead for the remaining few minutes and were relieved to hear the referee's full-time whistle.

Our thanks go to the Wickford side for an excellent match. They gave us a really good run for our money and can consider themselves unlucky not to take something from the game. That said, the Dynamos played well despite notable absentees and never let their heads go down, even when behind.

Individual Performances

Liam - Coped well with the difficult conditions and did some excellent kicks from hands.

Harry - Another very competent game on the right side of defense. A gritty, determined performance - just what we've come to expect!

Cameron - Great tackling throughout with some excellent runs down the left wing (even if they did leave the manager with his heart in his mouth!)

George - A battling performance rewarded with an excellent goal - well done George!

Billy - A "rock" at the heart of our defense. Billy's defensive skills have improved significantly in recent weeks, particularly his heading. A true captain's performance - well done!

John - Under the weather this week meaning he was unable to play for very long. When he did play, he didn't look his usual self but nonetheless battled hard for the team.

Jordan - Worked extremely hard and was rewarded with a stunning late winner - MOM.