Transcript
Highworth 1-3 Robins U7 8th Jan 2012
Starting line up Scorers: Tom 5,18,26
Line up second half Player of the Match: Tom Wynn-Davis
Final change
The second half of the 2011/2012 season got underway for the Robins U7’s with an away trip to Highworth, a team and venue that are both new to us, although they've had a successful first half of the season against teams in the “other” division. The pitch was a little “spongey”, well used, and occasionally on a gentle slope, but clearly well looked after and very playable. The afternoon kick-off was also a first for our players, and added to the challenges of the unfamiliar opposition, pitch and the return from a break of a few weeks, plus the “back to school” hangover. But football's all about how you solve challenges and we knew our players would rise to this new set of challenges as they have so many others. The game started off in a lively manner with some good play and hard tackling from both sides, great stuff to watch. The deadlock lasted only five minutes until after some great work from Zak and Sonny, the ball found Tom on the edge of the area and he chipped the ball over both defender and goalie for our first goal which settled us nicely. The first half continued with plenty of tackles, interceptions, clearances, corners, shots on target and of course some great goalkeeping. None more so than our own Josh Hockin who bravely put his body (and head) on the line when a Highworth player struck a fierce shot that looked certain to ‘rock’ the goal, but Josh bravely charged the shot down and took a thunderbolt right in the middle of his forehead. After a few minutes of concern he was ready to continue as the ‘Glove Man’ and our resident ‘brick wall’…Well Done and Thanks Josh! The whole team applauded him at the end of the game for his bravery At half-time Sam entered the game and was looking to carry on the excellent work of Mara on the left wing, followed shortly after by Josh D on the right. Three minutes after the restart and a Zak corner was fired into the box, Sonny put the ball on the plate for Tom and he fired the ball into the top corner, to make it 2-0 to Robins and a great start to the second half. Highworth continued to probe, were strong on the break and created quite a few chances but the defence stood strong with both Ben and Corey making some superb well-timed challenges. One of these challenges resulted in a corner for Highworth, the ball was fizzed into the box and hit a Robins player's hands whilst protecting his face! Highworth were awarded a penalty, possibly a harsh decision but no complaints – the ref did a great job in ensuring a very entertaining game. The penalty superbly taken, blasted high into the net and it wouldn’t have made any difference if we had put the whole team in goal, we couldn't have stopped that one! With 10 minutes still on the clock, we were on our toes from the restart and looking to make good use of our wide players, both Josh Ducie and Sam White saw plenty of the ball. The use of width and fresh legs out wide seemed to start to take it's toll on Highworth as Robins pressure built down both wings. The pressure finally became too much with four minutes left as Sam made a blistering run down the wing to tee up Tom for his hat-trick, lovely football! With a few minutes left on the clock, Ryan was brought into the match with instructions to make himself busy and get involved and this is what he did, he seemed to be everywhere! The game flowed right to the end as Highworth renewed their attacks but Robins held on to win 3-1. A great first game back after Christmas and thoroughly entertaining to watch as well. Well done to all the players on both sides who all contributed to a great game of football! Next Game: Sunday 15th January - Home v Ramsbury 11.30 Kick Off.
