Hitchin Town Youth Football Club
An FA Charter Standard Development Club
Arlesey Town U14 v Hitchin Town Youth U14
Sunday, February 17 2008
A sunny but frost coated pitch greeted us today but thankfully the sporting Arlesey team agreed to play after allowing half an hour longer to thaw. This allowed the boys to have a photo shoot with new “hoodies” kindly supplied by PJ signs.
The boys were reminded about focus, discipline and attitude and set off at a great pace today and for once the reward was quick with the impressive Ben rattling in an excellent hatrick. The first was pure individual skill, determination and bravery as the Arlesey defence tried everything to stop him Ben just carved his way through riding at least 3 tackles and knocked it passed the on rushing keeper.
The second, a lovely team move with Ben blasting into the back of the net. The third was a brave header after the keeper miss judged the bounce and Ben finished with boots flying around him. In between this hatrick Richard finished off a wonderful move involving Olly Tom & Jack. The boys were playing some lovely football on a sticky pitch but then fell for the sucker punch long ball over the top, offside maybe but give the boy his due he lobbed the on rushing Harry and then tucked it away into an empty net.
The boys were angry with themselves and responded with the move of the first half with some great exchange of passes the ball fell to Sam who gleefully bagged his goal.
Both Ben & Jack were injured and rested for the second half but both had put in great performances. H-T 1-5
So a big chance for Dale & Josh to make an impact and also Billy who came on to replace Tom.
The possession was in the main Hitchin’s but the second half belonged to the Arlesey’s keeper who saved shot after shot and even a penalty!
But Mickey and Olly who had totally bossed the midfield with Tom & Richard and Billy second half were to get their much deserved rewards with a goal apiece. Mickey’s was after lovely one two’s with Billy finishing into the corner of the net from just inside the box. Olly’s with neat footwork and strength creating it himself and passing it into the corner.
There could and should have been more, Billy saw one flash narrowly over and Olly had a terrific free kick pushed over the bar.
The boys had finally ran out 1-7 victors and played some great football to match.
There were some great individual performances with James outstanding as leader of the defence & team, Jack at left back Danny impressed with his coolness in defence & midfield, Olly all over the park and supported by the very strong Mickey and silky skills of Billy and Ben the lethal weapon up front.
But the man of the match was Josh, much deserved for his marking out of the game of Arlesey’s danger man who was physically bigger but time after time Josh would come away with ball, find a yellow shirt and his confidence grew and grew as a result.
Well Done Boys 12 games unbeaten 2 points behind the leaders with a game in hand. You should be Jumping for Joy!!
Thanks to all at Arlesey for a very sporting game.
Final Score: Arlesey 1-7 Hitchin Youth
Scorers: Ben 3, Richard, Sam, Mickey & Olly
MoM: Josh
Report: Stuart Wallace