Hill much improved performance on the 4G

AFC Dunstable 0-4 Buckhurst Hill FC

EJA U/14 Herts Div

Firstly apologies to normal readers but the Managment have had to return to the "pen" some would say due to the demise of all sensibility from coaches wrapped up in cotton wool after possibly the biggest FA Cup shock result ever and the further stumbling of the NW contingent....here's hoping the East London Academy of Football can bring back some stability. 

Hill boast one of the largest squads in the EJA which can often be difficult to manage or as was the case today be an absolute blessing. 4G gets games on but the question has to be raised why do pitches have to be the maximum size allowed.....The rotation becomes a major factor and a big advantage if used well.

Mindful of their opponents strength Hill were set up to retain the ball, restrict the opposition "bigger" players and to break with speed. The first 15 minutes were executed to perfection. Bring the ball forward under control and you can overload the last 3rd with pace. 

Never before has the text book been so correct.....Hill blocked off pased the ball from keeper to backs, out to wide, into last 3rd where Proctor decided to inject pace carrying to the edge of the box, wall pass with Redhead and slotted bottom right past the keepers from 10 yards. 0-1.

AFC  now found themselves under the cosh as Johnson in Midfield pulled the strings. So dominant was he that later he did something that staff here have been encouraging for some time, but more on that later... However as is the case when getting into 18 yard box regularly fortune plays a part and an innocuous challenge see Hill warded a pen. Karma plays a part and a fine save by the keeper denies Brookes.

25 played and Hill look good for their lead but a previous comeback by AFC early season plays on the mind. Dackombe breaks through and hits the byline on the left an pulls a beautiful reverse pass across the 6 yard box and Redhead nets a "sweaty. 0-2.

Half Time approaches and the opposition manager reminds his players loudly that Hill need 3 to be safe and 2 can be overcome. Thanks for the minder and the added Resolve. Cries of "Liverpool " can be heard from the touch line.

A quick HT chat and a determined Hill take the field. Confident and calm....however complacency is not showing. No threat save the odd charge through midfield is seen from the Home Team. Bolton up top for Hill is now showing more and more influence in the game. Harrying, holding the ball and linking play. His pressure and presence unsettling the back 4 so much so they fail to clear sufficiently and on 50 minutes a ball is headed to the edge of the 'D' and this is what will now be recalled as the "Johnson" moment. On the volley from 20 yards, no hesitation but with unnerving accuracy he drills the shot into the join between post and bar. Worth every penny of the entrance money.0-3

The heart has gone from AFC and Hill continue with their controlled possession and work rate off the ball. Redhead on 65 minutes escapes down the right slips 3 defenders to reach the touch line, sees Bolton at the edge of th 6 yard box slots an inch perfect pass and 'Bolts' slams in.0-4.

Game is over and played out. A pleasing performance all round and another lesson learnt on the infamous 4G.

Ryan FC 4-2 Buckhurst Hill FC, EJA League

Match Report - 18.01.15, 

Another cold morning, but local so fairly sociable start for most.  A new challenge, game on a pretty decent 4G surface, which at least meant supporters/ parents could prop themselves up on the barrier next to the pitch, always welcome for those nursing long-term injuries (or hung over!).

But plenty of familiar faces on the other side, from West Essex District (who our gaffer also manages in his "spare" time!), but we'll come on to them later.  No quarter expected or given as the game kicks off to the sound of Sunday church bells from nearby Waltham Abbey maybe?

Hill make a bright start and quickly impose themselves on the opposition with slick passing and movement, Ryan struggle to play at this pace and can't cope with the movement in the early stages.  After a flowing move, Ben H forces the keeper into an early save with a good turn and shot, the defender getting an important touch. Aidan puts in some good runs down the right, Hill pressure from all angles.

On 7 mins, the lively Ben B gets the ball, beats one hapless defender, hits a strong shot from outside the box, keeper (a District player) finds it too hot to handle and Ben H follows in like all good strikers, 0-1 to Hill.

This wakes Ryan up, they start to come back into the game, but Hill soak it up well, both centre backs very composed, whilst Harry B and Aidan in particular linking up well to keep Ryan defenders on their toes.  Harry puts in the first of many crunching tackles on 13 mins, Hill look like scoring every time we go forward, and on 16 minutes, some very composed play by Redhead in the middle of the pitch shifts the ball to the right, it comes back into Ben B, who follows a mazy run with a right footed cross (see that Lee!) which Julian coolly volleys in from 6 yards, 0-2 to Hill, well deserved, quality football.

Ryan always look dangerous and the pattern of play seems set, with Hill passing the ball comfortably and creating good chances through pace, skill and movement, whilst Ryan get the ball forward as quickly as possible via the full-backs knocking it into the Ryan striker, Samir, well known to us from District.

On 20 minutes, out of nothing, the Ryan winger throws in a hopeful cross, the Hill defence stops as several claim the ball went out, confusion reigns amongst fans and players as the ball hits a Hill defender and is deflected in. 1-2, a lifeline Ryan hardly deserve at this stage.

Ryan are buoyed by this of course, as their numbers 14 and 7 start to come into the game, although 

Hill defend stoutly, Arg and Gerg doubling up, Max and Sidney touch-tight to the dangerous Samir.  However, on 25 mins, Samir sneaks in as Hill's defence hesitate for the first time and brings it back to 2-2. One shot on target and its 2-2, bizarre!

Game on.  Solid defending from Hill whenever pressured, Sid and Tommy particularly composed on the ball, Harry B overlaps and cutting in hurts Ryan every time, Ben B showing and Brookes pace causing problems.  On 29 mins, Tommy hits a cracking shot, beats the Ryan keeper but hits the post.  Hill seem to be enjoying the majority of the play, although Ryan are dangerous on the counter-attack.  Julian is bossing midfield with strong tackles and possession.

Half-time, view amongst the crowd is pretty confident given what we've just seen.

Hill start the second-half quickly, Aidan is having the left back for breakfast, lunch and dinner, he cannot handle the winger's pace and skill and resorts to fouling, none of which works (nor is spotted by the static ref - more on him later!  A Hill attack is thwarted by a pretty obvious foul tackle from the side, not spotted by our friend in black, and Ryan take full advantage with a good move, ending in a breakaway goal to go ahead for the first time (Samir again?). 3-2, five minutes into second half.

Hill still look dangerous in attack, Harry B continues to overlap, Aidan sets up a good chance which we don't take advantage of, and Sam B reads the game well as a sweeper-keeper, Lloris-like.  

The crucial moment of the game comes about 15 into the second half, the ball is dinked through to Tommy, who runs onto the ball on the edge of the 6 yard box, bravely gets his head on it and it heads toward goal, only to be cleared off the line by a determined Ryan centre-back. However, what one person didn't notice (the only person as it happens!) was the follow through by the Ryan keeper on Tommy, not deliberate but a clear penalty all the same.  Missed by the ref, who is not endearing himself to the away fans with his failure to spot niggly fouls, but if you don't move out of the centre-circle then you can't spot much. (although this penalty is burglary).

The dangerous Samir rubs salt into the wounds on the break as Hill push for an equaliser, finishes confidently as usual and makes it 2-4 with about 15 minutes left.  

Hill aren't dispirited and keep playing football, with several chances created, although the final touch just isn't there.  Max & Tommy working hard up front, Ben and Gerg come back on and work hard.  Louie keeps Hill in the game with a great header off our goal line.

Game ends 4-2.  General feeling is that this flatters the home team, Hill played the better possession football in many periods, but Ryan are particularly clinical and have skilful full-backs and a pacy forward. Perhaps their comeback was inspired by Palace's against Burnley yesterday?  Not our day, the 3 key moments went against us today and about the official, Nuff said!.    

 

Hill into London Semi....

Docklands FC 1  Buckhurst Hill FC 2

London County Cup 1/4 Final

Sunday 10/01/15

Starting formation 4-4-1-1

 

With a late kick-off in the London Cup against the team that beat us in the final last year, the desire of retribution was palpable in the players, coaches, parents and loyal supporters; including Adam Harrison, who although rested for the game turned up to support his team. It was also good to see Dean Johnson back after a few games absence; his valuable defensive tactics were not missed, nor was the referees warm up routine!  

 

It was a cold bright afternoon with a view of the iconic financial centre of Europe, if not the world, but how many can look out of their offices tomorrow and say ‘I was there to witness one of the finest comebacks in the history of the U14’s BHFC’!

 

It was a classic game of 2 half’s (plus extra time) with Docklands’ dominating the first half, with BH characteristically not giving in and being intimidated by teams like their opposition today.

 

Enough of the introduction; this is my first attempt at producing the match report and apologise for not remembering to have a look at my watch the entire game so there is little time references in this commentary!

 

The game started at a high tempo, which unfortunately was mostly from the opposition and mainly from 2 key players, number 17 and 18, who were their best players by quite a long way today.  They seemed to be able to float past our midfield which mercifully their early attempts at goal either went high, wide or were saved by Sam B who was called into action from the off and had a great game today. 

 

Our first foray into the opposition saw Ben H nick a ball from centre of pitch (which he did magnificently all game) side foot it to Tommy R, who in turn into passed in the running path of Julian D who went on a run down the left hand side only to be strongly tackled just before he could dispatch a ball into the 18-yard box. More on that series of play and Julian D later!

 

Next, saw Ben H and Tommy R interplay result in a free-kick just inside the opposition half, which George J floated in a good ball which was met by a good header from Max J. Unfortunately the resulting clearance from their goal-keeper saw a easy ball collected by Docklands midfield, which exposed too much space at the back to enable them to score an easy goal by their number 18. 

 

1-0

 

BH finally began to use their undoubted skill and strength which saw Ben B steal the ball in mid-field play a great ball to Aidan P (who had a fantastic game today) take on the Docklands defence from the right hand side, deftly cut in to the left and have a powerful shot saved by the keeper.

The Docklands players were giving away a lot of free-kicks in their half which was an indication of the respect they were giving to BH and the knowledge that they could not allow our boys any time in the ball. This resulted in Tommy R rising high above the defence only to see his effort rise just above the crossbar and subsequent free-kick delivered by Tommy R saw Ben B’s shot fly just over the bar. The next free kick produced a loud shout by our Manager for handball, which was roundly rejected by the referee. 

 

As mentioned before the main threat came from their number 17 and 18 players but our back 4 were resolute and played an enormous part in keeping the score to 1-0. So, a big shout out to Max J, Sid J, Louis K, Arjon B and Harry B.  

 

About 20mins in the game, (I think), the manager decided to swap over Julian D and Aidan P from their respective right and left positions to ‘mix-it-up-a-bit’ this resulted in George J floating a ball into the box with Ben H’s shot just going wide. Then Aidan from his new position took 2 players and put a good ball in to the path of Ben B only to see his shot saved by the keeper.

 

At about 30mins into the game saw the manager replace Ben H with Joel S who was immediately fouled. Unfortunately the resultant quick free kick went straight to the opposition, however, Louis K intercepted and sent Joel S down the Right Wing to win a corner. 

 

Jamie G was then brought on for Ben H, which saw him get straight in to the action and win a free kick. This was defended well by the Docklands defence, but Julian D expertly intercepted a pass, went around another defender, only to see his shot wiz pass the post. There was a slight scare when Sam B came out of his goal are but nothing came of the resultant shot.

 

HALF TIME: and time to re-group.

 

What a difference! The BH boys are back in form and pressurise the Docklands defence from the whistle. A foul is awarded to BH from a push in the back against Joel S. George J’s free-kick just a bit too high for Joel S The strength and skill from Jamie G see him targeted for the next 10mins by their defence. 

 

A good through ball from George J sees Joel S break free and slot the ball into the left hand side of the goal; however the referee used a high leg, (not foot), to control the ball and the goal is disallowed.

 

The manager decides to change the game after 20mins and replaces Jamie G with Ben H who immediately passes to Joel S who puts in George E who was fouled before he could cross the ball. The resultant free kick saw a lofted ball met by a towering Tommy R, which unfortunately rises just above the crossbar.

 

Aidan P is receiving good ball and is terrorising the defence and put Tommy R through, who is ‘sandwiched’ in the box; but no penalty is awarded.

  

 

The next move sees Tommy R drift past 2 players cross the ball into to the goal area for Max J to head the ball into the feet of Aidan P to coolly blast it past the keeper 1-1.

 

After the goal BH show the one touch football that we know that they can play and saw Julian D play a great ball into Tommy R who tried to lob the keeper which just went past the keepers right side. ‘Who would attempt to lob a keeper in such good form today?’ Again credit must go to the defence and midfield that did not flinch or play out of position the entire second half, which enabled the forwards to play some good effective football. A sublime save from Sam B in the final minutes from their number 18 provided a classic extra time mouth-watering 20mins.

 

FULL TIME: 1-1

 

EXTRA TIME 1^st HALF

 

BH carries on from the 2^nd half and continues to pressurise the Docklands defence. Ben H substitutes Joel S after he sustained a bruised wrist. Docklands are now committing more fouls as the pressure of BH is beginning to take it’s toll. 

It is from one of these free-kicks that sees Ben H receive the ball and aim a perfect pass into the path of a charging Tommy R who in turn drifts pass a Docklands defender to execute a perfect ball to Julian D who at full pace cruises past the full-back on the outside, looks up and sees the keeper off his line and produces the finest lob you will ever see (well at least at Liverpool)! Excellent goal.

 

2-1

 

Unfortunately Ben B pulled up with an injury, but is replaced by an on fire George E.

 

EXTRA TIME 2^nd HALF

 

A speculative ball from Docklands bounces over Tommy R, but Arjon B heads out the ball and BH re-group. Ben H is causing havoc in the Docklands defence, as is   George J and Aidan P, who deliverers a lovely ball to Tommy R who loses his marker, only to see his shot just whizz past the right hand post. 

Another free-kick sees a ball met by a towering Julian D, which is saved by the keeper.

 

A last desperate and speculative long ball is knocked forward by Docklands, which is dealt effectively by Sid J, and the final whistle blows on a very hard fought victory. 2-1

 

The Docklands players coaching staff were very gracious in defeat, which was much appreciated by all of the BH team, staff and supporters.

 

A final note for Max Bolton, who unfortunately did not get a chance to play today but the coaching staff wanted to express their appreciation of his attitude support to the team.