Score: Bookham Colts U8B 1... Sutton United U8B 1

Match report:
Another draw, but this time we were the team that came back from behind and again showed excellent character.

First half

The opposition could not have got off to a better start with a free kick right on the edge of the box within the first few minutes of play. We needed a solid wall close to the ball to protect the goal but confusion allowed the opposition to take a quick free kick which being well struck found the roof of the net, not giving Craig a chance. Following the goal the match was evenly balanced with a lot of good play on both wings by Josh and Reilly and another tireless performance in the middle by Jake. Danny in his usual position as our target man at the front saw a handful of opportunities fall his way resulting in several attempts but no goal. Reilly had a couple of blistering runs but could not get the ball on his right foot to finish. Finally in the dying minutes of the first half we had our chance, a free kick outside the box. Both Reilly and Tom stepped up, both players have previously scored from dead ball situations like this in previous matches. Thinking back to the last match the managers decision was for Tom to go into the box and Reilly to take strike. Although well lofted the shot went wide of the right post and so the half finished.

Second Half

The second half saw Craig come out on pitch and Sam step up to take the goalie's jersey. Jake came off for the second half and Reilly moved in to the central role. The first few minutes were a bit of a struggle for the Colts as players settled in to their new positions. This gave the opposition the upper hand and Sam was called on to make several important saves which he did with excellent style. Sam's big kicks were also causing the opposition some difficulty, we could have made more of this advantage if the mid field had made sure they were in space and good targets for Sam to kick to. Being a goalie himself Craig made the best target for Sam on the right leaving Josh to exploit space on the left. However both Craig and Josh found themselves on several occasions on the wrong side of the pitch! A few stern reminders from the manager helped them remember to play positional football and let the ball come to them in space rather than chasing after the ball and leaving gaps for the opposition to exploit. This half also saw some excellent communication between Tom and Ben at the back each covering for the other and then returning to their position, a solid display by both players. Finally our moment came the ball was carried forward and a pass found Danny. Danny a natural striker was of course in space in front of goal, he turned on the ball and stroked it at goal. The shot seemed to lack power but Danny made up for that in skill as the gaolie was forced to stretch for the ball causing him to slip, all he could do is watch the ball roll past and into the back of the net. Bookham Colts had scored the equaliser!

Managers comment:

Another very good performance boys and remember to play positional football and let the ball come to you in space rather than chasing after the ball.

Score: Bookham Colts U8B 1... Old Coulsdon Coults U8B 1

Short Match report:
Our first draw of the season.

First half
Everything worked like clockwork with goals up in good time and all the starting players on time for the 9:30 kick off.

Conditions were heavy with a combination of long grass and damp ground but that did not stop the boys getting off to a blinding start with a series of goal scoring opportunities whilst the visitors struggled to settle in. However for all the chances we failed to find the back of the net. The visitor's goalie was in excellent form turning aside attempts from Danny, Reilly and Josh. Jake playing his usual deep midfield role delivered several crunching tackles and kicked several long balls up field creating chances for Danny, Reilly and Josh. Meanwhile Josh was showing good confidence on the ball and also holding to his position. Reilly free in space on several occasions managed to bring the ball up to threaten the visitors goal either with a cross to Danny or an individual effort. Things remained fairly quite in defence as the ball was mostly in the visitor's half, however failure to clear the ball and even turn it across our own goal (!!!) created several dangerous situations. The half ended in one such case with the visitors being given three opportunities to score, drawing two spectacular saves from Craig and finally the going out off the goal post.

Second Half
Sam joined the side in the second half as Thomas after a solid first half took his turn as sub. The visitors, after finishing the first half on a high and several substitutions seemed altogether an improved team. Their big number 9 was a continual threat on the left and caused both Jake and Ben some difficulty. However it was their number 9 that committed a heavy foul on Reilly that gave us the free kick from which we scored. It was a spectacular set piece strike by Reilly from 10 - 15 meters out, curving over the wall and into the goal leaving their goalie stranded. But the Visitors were not beaten. The rest of the half saw a sustained onslaught which we coped with well, as time when by however we increasingly failed to clear the ball or to put the visitors on the defensive by breaking back. Finally with less than 5 minutes to go the equaliser came. Failing to clear the ball cleanly it stayed in our half of the pitch, the Visitors managed to work the ball to the front of the box and in a final scramble pushed the ball through for an opportunist goal that was finished excellently by their striker, and so the match ended - a draw.

Managers comment:
Well played boys, another very good performance holding your positions and passing but remember when clearing the ball in defence NEVER kick it across your own goal, always kick it up the pitch to another player or off for a throw in.

Bookham Colts U8's 3 - Warren Mead U8's 1