Match Report

Dunton Dynamos 0 - 9 Thurrock "A"

U11 League - 2nd December 2007

Having been comprehensively beaten by Thurrock "A" on two previous occasions already this season, we knew this was going to be an extremely tough game, made all the more difficult by a couple of team member absences - Dave was unavailable due to prior commitments whilst Ross was again not present.

To make matters worse, the allocated referee failed to show, meaning team manager Paul had to take on the role. Coach Simon therefore took charge of the team once again.

The match itself was played on a wet, miserable morning in early December. Overnight rain had made the pitch very greasy, though the pitch did look in axcellent condition as it hadn't been played on for a couple of weeks. The Dunton captain Jordan won the toss and elected to change ends, prefering to play down the slop in the first-half.

The Dunton team played with Jack, James, Billy and Cameron across the back, Sonny, Calum, George and Ben across the middle and Ethan and Jordan playing up-front in a conventional 4-4-2 formation. Harry was on the bench during the early stages.

From the start, the Thurrock side looked like they meant business. They stroked the ball around with consumate ease with every player looking comfortable in possession. The Dynamos were having to chase the ball and close players down. Despite their technical superiority, the Thurrock side were unable to break down this plucky Dunton side in the early stages. Indeed, it wasn't until ten minutes before half-time that we saw the first goal. Dunton cntinued to battle and launched a couple of attacks on the Thurrock goal - unfortunately for us, these came to nought. Just before the half-time whistle, a second was scored to give the visitors a well-deserved 2-0 lead at the interval.

Harry had come on to replace George before half-time and slotted into the midfield row. Dunton kicked-off the second half and were immediately put under pressure by this excellent Thurrock side. Within minutes of the restart, the visitors were 4-0 up and for the first time this season, a couple of the Dunton players seemed to lose heart. The Thurrock side took full advantage and managed to score five more goals in an awsome display. The Dunton side rallied inthe latter stages to keep the score down, but were ultimately beaten comprehensively by this well-drilled Thurrock side.

Man of the match today was Calum for his determined efforts in the centre of the park. Generally speaking, the first-half performance of the team was much more pleasing than what followed in the second-half. The fact that one or two players became a bit demoralised is harly surprising. Getting beaten this heavily is never easy to take. The good thing is we don't think we'll face a better side all season, so things can only get better - famous last words! We've learnt a lot from this performance and will be working to emulate some of the excellent passing and movement demonstrated by this super Thurrock side.

Ever single player deserves a pat on the back for sticking with it - our goalkeeper Liam once again gave another super display between the sticks whilst our back four coped exceptionally well in the first-half. The midfield battled well throughout with our two attackers trudging a lonely furrow up-front. Our congratulation must go to the Thurrock team who are in a different league from anything else we've seen so far. It's difficult to take defeats of this magnitute but have to consede that we were second-best by some considerable margin on the day.

Within seconds of the game ending, the heavens opened and we all got absolutely soaked. We've not seen rain come down like that for years! Our thanks therefore go the the willing volunteers who helped get the nets and falgs packed away - that's dedication for you!

Our thanks go to the Thurrock team for an excellent game played in good spirits throughout.