Match Report

Dunton Dynamos 1 - 1 Lee Chapel Youth

U11 League - 16th December 2007

This was our final fixture in what has been a difficult year. Up until this point we hadn't got a single point, nor indeed had we even scored a goal in the League (though we'd obviously scored in the Cup). The boys were therefore in desperate need of a lift and knew that this match against fellow strugglers Lee Chapel would be one of the best opportunities to grind out a result.

The day didn't get off to the best of starts with Jack reporting sick and therefore unavailable for selection. In addition, Harry was unavailable for the second-half as he had to dash off to watch his favourite side Chelsea get beat by Arsenal. So, we were down to the bare minimum and therefore knew we were going to struggle.

The match itself was played on a bitterly cold but bright morning in mid-December. The pitch looked to be in excellent condition once again having recovered from the recent wet weather. The Dunton captain Calum won the toss and elected to play down the slope in the first-half.

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

From the start, it was clear both sides meant business with Lee Chapel pressing hard looking for an early goal. They forced Dunton onto the back-foot and were able to win a few corners. Dunton defended in numbers with Calum directing operations in midfield and Liam keeping the back four organised. Lee Chapel looked dangerous from corners and throw-ins but were unable to capitalise.

Dunton were reduced to attacking on the breakaway during these early stages - Dave and Jordan were getting stuck-in and were linking well with Ethan down the right-side. Jordan looked most likely to score in the first-half and demonstrated some excellent skills down the left side and had a couple of good shots on goal - it must have been something to do with his new "Ronaldo" boots! Dunton continued to grow in confidence as the game went on and were starting to seriusly test the Lee Chapel defenders.

Just before half-time, Dunton got a well-deserved goal. Following excellent work in the midfield by Calum and George, Dunton found themselves closing in on goal. Calum struck a firm shot which Harry got a touch on to deflect it past the Lee Chapel keeper. The half-time whistle went soon after.

In the second-half, Lee Chapel pressed hard for an equaliser. Liam made a couple of fine saves to keep the visitors at bay whilst the back four continued to deal with everything thrown at them. Then, with fifteen minutes left, Cameron got caught in possession on the edge of our box (how many times have we told him not to dribble his way out of defense!) and the Lee Chapel forwards took full advantage with a well-struck shot into the bottom corner of the net.

We were then in for a grandstand finish. Both teams continues to press for a late winner, creating chances at both ends. It could have gone either way but in the end the referee ended the game with the scores tied at 1-1. On balance this was a fair result.

Man of the match today was Sonny who worked tirelessly in defense. He worked particularly hard and acted on the instructions given from the touchline. He's clearly a real asset to the side since joining earlier in the season. Other notable performances came from Liam our keeper for a string of fine saves. He's getting a bit of a (well-deserved) reputation for being a very good shot-stopper. He did nothing today to hinder that reputation - we think he's the best keeper in the League! In addition Calum played well in midfield as did Ethan (who chased everything). Jordan played really well up-front and can feel disappointed he didn't get himself on the scoresheet.

The whole team worked really hard to earn their first League point of the season against strong opposition. We've now got a well-earned break over the Christmas period and will kick-off with a game against League leaders Grays Athletic in the new year - that should bring us back down to earth! Well done boys, enjoy your Christmas break and let's see if we can continue where we left off today!

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