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Hadley Wood & Wingate v Hitchin Town Youth Under 15

Sunday, September 21 2008

A Mystery Tour somewhere in the deep south of Hertfordshire was the only information we were given as we set off in convoy for our County Cup match.

We ended up in Barnet next to Underhill famous for its sloping pitch and we were to play on a mini replica. Unfortunately this was a day of injuries. Richard pulled out without kicking a ball, and both Danny and Jack were carrying knee injuries. So a good opportunity for Sam in a reshuffled packs in the midfield.

HW started fast and furious and won a corner immediately with their twin centre backs of 6ft coming up looking very imposing. We weathered that onslaught and then had a break away ourselves forcing a throw in. Cue Tom who sent another excellent ball in and there was Jack in the box again to knock in. Top goal scorer and he's our left back! Well done Jack. 1-0. But this only served to stir HW who came back with two quick fire goals the second from a free kick that Harry managed to get across to as it curled over the wall but it fell to the striker and within minutes we were 1-2 down.

This game could go one of two ways...... and the Hitchin boys chose to battle with all their strength and determination to make a game of it against boys who were physically bigger than them. Joe and Lewis were linking up excellently down the right and it was from an interchange of passes that Joe was put through and rounded the keeper and from a very tight angle hit the post. The keeper was down the net was empty but the ball was 20yds out when it landed at Sams feet and he belted it in 2-2 and Sam was smiling with the rest of us. There were no more goals in this half but what an effort each and every player was putting in.

The boys came off to tremendous and deserved applause from family members. Having played so well it was unfortunate we had to shuffle the pack again with Danny no longer able to continue Joe who had been immense in midfield dropped into the back four. Jack very bravely played on running at times on one leg. Josh came on wide left and we could only hope that the boys could repeat their first half performance. We did for long periods as Joe looked at home in the centre of defence and Mat Tom Ollie and Josh worked to try to stop the supply to the dangerous forwards of HW.

Sam and Ben worked their socks off to try to relive the pressure but we were finally broken and we conceded 3 second half goals which could have been more if not for a combination of some excellent interceptions from James and Joe and saves from Harry.

Final Score 2-5.

The boys were disappointed but this is a good sign of how far we have come to match a top league side for long spells, who make no mistake, would match any first div side in the Crow.
 
Thanks to Hadley Wood & Wingate and referee for a good clean game and good luck in the next round.
 
Well done boys with all the injuries this was a great performance and I can see already a very good season ahead of you.
 
MOM Everyone you were all immense.

Goals Jack, Sam