Match Report

Dunton Dynamos 4 - 1 Stadium United

Divisional Cup (1st leg) - 19th October 2008; Conditions: Mild and overcast!

Having won their two previous matches, the confidence of the U12 squad has increased significantly in recent weeks. This new-found confidence was to be thoroughly tested by a Stadium United team who'd beaten us 2-1 only a matter of weeks ago.

Team Manager Paul was not present for this game once again as he was being put through his paces on the FA coaching course. Simon therefore took charge assisted and supported by an enthusiatic band of home supporters.

Both James G and Sonny were unavailable for this fixture due to prior commitments - this left Simon with a squad of thirteen from which to select his preferred formation. Calum retained his place in goal following his "man-of-the-match" performance the previous week, Chaz dropped into the right-back position with Cameron on the left. Luke came in at centre-back with Liam (captain for the day) alongside. Ben played on the right-wing, with Jordan on the left-wing supported by Billy and James M in the centre of midfield. Up-front were George and Joseph. On the substitutes' bench were Harry and Jack.

The Dynamos started like they meant business and managed to get a 2-1 lead by half-time. George scored a contender for goal of the season following a mazy run and superb finsh whilst Ben weighed in with another well-taken goal.

In the second-half, Billy was replaced by Harry and Jack came on to replace Luke. These changes didn't affect the Dunton side's formation and we continued to press for further goals. These eventually came, but not in the manner we're used to - we were awarded two penaties in the second-half. Most of these players have been together since they were in the U7 Dunton side and in all that time, we've only ever been awarded one penalty - then in one game alone we get two!

The first occured as a result of Harry being fouled in the box by a defender - this was superbly converted by Jordan. The second was also the result of further pressure by Harry which resulted in him being brought down by the keeper. Harry dusted himself off and took the kick himself to make the score 4-1. The referee took a very sensible approach concluding that a penalty kick was sufficient punishment for the Stadium team, with there being no need to caution or send-off any of the Stadium team.

Stadium piles on the pressure after this in an attempt to get something out of the game but the Dunton side battled hard to keep them from adding to their tally.

Coach Simon said after the game "This was a fantastic win for the team which they thoroughly deserved. Everyone worked really hard and were clearly determined to perform better than they did against Stadium when we played them a few weeks ago. The goalkeeper and defence once again looked solid and able to cope with most things Stadium threw at us whilst the midfield played superbly throughout, supporting the defence when required and joining the attack when the opportunities arose. Clearly the team are enjoying their football and should all be congratulated on an excellent team performance."

Man-of-the-match today was awarded to Harry who, whilst only coming on in the second-half proved to have a major influence on the game. He was determined and committed and thoroughly deserved the award. Other performances of note came from George who was suberb up-front Ben also played "a blinder" and thoroughly deserved his goal. But most of all, this was a good team performance against a good side. Well done boys, keep it up!

Special thanks and well done to Simon on steering the team to success once again and also to the many Mums and Dads who helped with rigging the goals and running the line, etc. A great team effort all round!

Our thanks go to the Stadium United side who once again tested us thoroughly. On this occasion however we got the better of them and deservedly so. Once again, we were involved in a thoroughly entertaining game played in axcellent spirits throughout. We look forward to playing Stadium again in the return fixture and once more in the League. We're sure they'll be equally entertaining matches too!