Match Report

Dunton Dynamos 4 - 3 Thurrock Tigers

U11 League Cup - 14th October 2007

This League Cup match was played on an unseasonably warm afternoon in mid-October. The Great Berry School pitch was in excellent condition having been recently mown and marked out. Dunton turned out in their now familiar all-white kit, with Thurrock playing in their change kit of blue and black.

Thurrock kicked-off playing up the slope in the first half. Dunton had their usual formation of 4-4-2 with Jack, Calum, Billy and Cameron playing across the back, Dave, Ben, George and Jordan playing across the midfield and Ethan and Harry playing up-front. James was "on the bench" during this first period with Jordan as team captain for this match.

Dunton soon got into their stride and mounted a series of attacks on the Tigers' goal. It wasn't long before this pressure was rewarded with a goal - with Harry tapping in from close range following a goalmouth scramble. A second goal soon followed - a header scored again by Harry following good approach play from Dave down the right wing. Dunton continued to mount attacks on the Tigers' goal, but were finding it difficult to break them down. Dunton started to tire towards the end of the half with the Tigers' getting more and more involved. The score remained 2-0 until half-time.

In the second-half, Dunton kicked off with James coming on to replace Ethan. Both teams continued to launch attacks but the respective defences were proving difficult to break down. Harry had a number of chances to secure his hat-trick with a couple of shots going wide of the goal. Eventually however it was the Tigers who scored following a goalmouth scramble. This clearly rattled the Dynamos team and they started to let the pressure get to them. The Tigers were now stroking the ball around nicely in midfield and were starting to have some success down their left side. Mid-way through the half, Ben came off to make way for Ethan. James dropped into midfield with Ethan once again joining the attack. Despite the changes, the Tigers continued to press and this pressure eventually paid off with an excellent shot by the impressive left-winger rebounding off the base of the post into the path of a grateful forward who tapped the ball away for the equalising goal. This came with about five minutes of the match remaining.

The Dynamos' excellent spirit them came to the fore. Inspired by captain Jordan the lads launched a series of attacks on the Tigers' goal. Following excellent work down the right side by Dave and James the ball was crossed into the middle for Ethan to score an excellent headed goal. Moments later, the Dynamos looked to have it sewn up when Jordan rifled a long-range effort into the back of the Tigers' net to make it 4-2. There was still time for the Tigers to score another goal to set-up a grandstand finish. The referee ended the game with the Dynamos winning 4-3.

This was an excellent game played in good spirits throughout. The Tigers' gave an excellent account of themselves - they're clearly a well run outfit and are sure to do very well in their remaining fixtures this season. The Dynamos now progress into Round Two of the League Cup. Once things for sure, whoever they're matched against in the next round, they'll do well to match the entertainment and spectacle provided by the two teams today.

Man of the match today was Harry for his two goals and also for his boundless energy chasing everything possible. Clearly he's settled well into his new attacking role and based on this performance is sure to score many more goals this season. The whole team played well again: the back four and goalkeeper looked very solid with Billy and Calum providing height and strength in the centre whilst Jack and Cameron played solidly on the flanks. Cameron once again showed several classy touches with neat interplay with Jordan down the left side. Liam gave another impressive performance between the sticks with excellent handing and judgement throughout. Dave had his best game yet for the Dunton side and has really settled in well. His mazy runs down the right wing and neat passing were very impressive. Jordan gave a captain's performance, keeping the midfield on their toes and scoring a cracking goal. James, George and Ben all gave dogged performances, working hard to support their defenders when required and also launch into attack wherever possible. And finally Ethan exploded into life in the second-half after a quiet first thirty minutes. He scored a well-deserved goal giving further evidence that he is going to be a key player up-front this season.

Well done boys and congratulations on your first win of the season!