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 1st HALF
BH carries on from the 2nd 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 2nd 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.
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