Hitchin Town Youth Football Club
An FA Charter Standard Development Club
Austin Arrowheads U14 v Hitchin Town Youth U14
Sunday, April 13 2008
A real six pointer today against the unknown Austin Arrowheads and a chance to close the gap from our third to their second place.
The boys arrived in relaxed mood, and we as parents wonder could the boys in light of the disappointment of the previous game rise to the challenge against a team we have to play twice in as many weeks.
The game started at a surprising slow pace whilst the teams sussed each other out, and once the boys had settled into their pattern of play there was no looking back. The first goal came after the keeper had jumped high outside of his box to block a looping strike on goal from Ben. A free kick was awarded by the very good referee and Olly bent a beautiful free kick over the wall and into the top corner. 0-1.
Number two came after a great run from the rejuvenated Billy who crossed into the box which was handled and Ben sent the keeper the wrong way from the resulting penalty for 0-2.
It was all Hitchin now and after great cross from Billy? Richard? the ball was put into his own net by the unfortunate defender 0-3
A great half for Hitchin 0-3.
The boys were full of confidence and clearly enjoying their football but they were reminded to stay focused as the next goal was the important one. It came in wonderful style from Ben who finished clinically again, he has scored some quality goals this year but the best was yet to come. 0-4
After a bit of indecision the boys allowed Austin to get close and score past Harry into the bottom of the far corner, the only blemish on an otherwise perfect day.
Now for THE moment of the match another free kick 35 yards out similar to one in the first half an in swinging cross from Olly and Ben getting on the end with a volley just over the bar, but this time he met it right on cue firstly by staying onside and timing his run perfectly hitting a sweet volley with the outside of left foot, top corner and a fully deserved hat trick for Ben 1-5.
Man of the match James is first to congratulate Ben on his magnificent hat trick.
The score line did not change but there was lots of good football played and but for some good goalkeeping the score could have been greater. The whole squad stepped up to the plate today and got there just rewards.
Harry looked assured in goal with some excellent handling, Full backs Danny & Jack played well particularly with their distribution out of defence. Mickey and Captain James were super solid at the heart of the defence and nothing got passed them today.
In the middle of the park there were some further great performances from Richard who was first to everything and dominating particularly in the air, Tom made some intelligent passes and Olly was full of tricks and stature and of course his wonderful free kicks. Lewis was full of energy and caused lots of problems down the right second half.
Up front a new partnership of Billy & Ben, what energy movement and skill by Billy, held the ball up when it was needed brought players in to play and dribbled and created when needed, a great all round performance. Ben, I have ran out of superlatives for you, its not just your top quality finishing which is priceless but your selfless running and never say die attitude fantastic. Josh again you came on and won some very important challenges and then set moves on the way with your passing to the strikers. Dale on up front and continued to give the opposition problems.
Olly opens up the scoring with his fantastic free kick much to Bens delight!
As Mike said it was a true team performance and brilliantly led by Captain Marvel James who picked up the man of the match award as the team received a standing ovation from the parents.
So roll on next week for the rematch where a win would send the boys second in the league going into the last two fixtures of an immensely enjoyable season for us the parents to watch and you the boys who put all the hard work in and get results like today.
Well Done !
Result: Austin Arrowheads 1 – 5 Hitchin Town Youth
Scorers: Ben 3, Olly, OG
MoM: Captain Marvel James.