Hitchin Town Youth Football Club
An FA Charter Standard Development Club
Royston U9 A v Hitchin Hurricanes U9
Sunday, May 9 2010
The Hurricanes limbered up for next Sunday's County Cup final with a close but deserved victory over Royston.
In windy, rainy conditions more suited to mid-November than early May, a goal in each half was enough to give them a notable away win.
Kicking down a pronounced slope in the first half, the Hurricanes were completely dominant and kept the home team pinned inside their own half in the early exchanges. Half-chances came and went until midway through the half when, after forcing a succession of corners, a Joel corner was cleared by a Royston defender but a block from Kane saw the ball ricochet over the line.. a slice of luck, but thoroughly deserved.
No further goals were added in the first half and with Royston having the benefit of the slope, a slim 1-0 lead looked vulnerable as the game re-started. Royston came into the game more in the second half and carved out some chances but Hitchin defended in numbers and looked very dangerous on the break.
They increased their lead with five minutes to go with a blistering counter-attack that started in their own penalty area.Sam K collected the ball, beat his man and played a beautifully flighted pass to Somerset on the halfway line. Somerset held the ball up well and timed his pass to perfection to release the onrushing William. Will sidestepped the last Royston defender, drew the keeper and rolled a lovely finish just inside the far post. Royston came very close to pulling a goal back but Joel saved the day with a timely goal-line clearance.
Result: Royston A 0 Hitchin Hurricanes U9 2
Man of the match: Sam K – since mentioning that he's scored in every game 3 weeks ago, I appear to have jinxed Sam as he hasn't scored since. Goals are only one part of his game, however, and his tackling-back, work rate and range of long and short passing were excellent today.
Team: Sam Hen, Patrick, Sam Hart, William, Kane, Sam K, Joel, Somerset