Match Report

Thurrock YFC "A" 8 - 0 Dunton Dynamos

U11 League - 28th October 2007

This League match was played on a wet, miserable afternoon at Thurrock Nuttberry Corner ground. The pitch was very wet with a slick top surface with a strong wind blowing down the pitch. Dunton turned out in their familiar all-white kit, with our hosts playing in yellow and green.

Thurrock kicked-off playing against the wind 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 and Ross were both "on the bench" during this first period with Dave as team captain for the first time since joining the club.

It was soon obvious that this was not going to be an easy game with Thurrock mounting wave after wave of attack on the Dynamos' goal. A couple of early changes were made with Ross coming on to replace Ben and James taking the place of Jordan.

The back four held firm for almost twenty minutes before Thurrock eventually took the lead through a well drilled shot which our keeper (Liam) was unable to keep out. Thurrock scored a second soon after following a goalmouth scramble where Dunton were unable to clear their lines. Thanks to some excellent defending and confident goalkeeping, Dunton were able to keep the score to 2-0 by half-time.

The second half began much the same way as the first had ended with Thurrock piling the pressure on the Dunton goal. Liam was again in inspirational form making a number of brave saves to keep Thurrock at bay. Dave was also playing a captain's role, marshalling the midfield and helping out in defense when required.

Five minutes into the half, Thurrock were awarded a controversial penalty when a Dunton player was alleged to have fouled a Thurrock player in the box. Fortunately for us, the penalty kick was drilled into the bottom of the left-hand upright and rebounded into open-play.

Thurrock took advantage of a couple of defensive lapses with players inadvertently tracking back playing everyone onside. We're only a few games into the season and the offside trap is something that is going to require some considerable work to improve. Nonetheless, Dunton found themselves 4-0 with about ten minutes to go.

The Dunton players were now clearly tiring and the Thurrock midfield started to boss the game, splitting our defense with raking passes almost at will. The Thurrock side crashed in four more goals before full-time get get a well-deserved win. On balance, the final score didn't accurately reflect the game - we didn't deserve to lose by such a margin, but accept that we're going to have to take it on the chin when up against teams of this caliber. Life in the Thundermite Premiership is not pleasant at the moment for Dunton players and supporters!

The game was played in excellent spirits by both side. Dunton gave their opponents a hearty cheer at the end of the game showing a level maturity which can only be applauded. Well done boys and don't let the result get you down - you gave a good account of yourself and your efforts are not reflected in the score-line. Keep up the good work and you first League win will surely come soon!

Man of the match today was Liam who made a number of fine saves, particularly in the second half. Other notable performances came from Dave in midfield as well as the back four who were under enormous pressure for most of the game.