The Bitterest Pill to swallow

  22.03.15. London FA U14 Cup Final, Mile End Stadium.

Buckhurst Hill 1-2 Ryan FC

Lightning strikes twice as Hill fall at final hurdle 1-2

Deja Vu for Buckhurst Hill under 14s as the final goes against them again. The boys looked very down at the end of the game - they should be proud of their achievements (ie look at the tough route to the final this year, including revenge on last year's nemesis, Docklands).  But the fact they were so disappointed is exactly why they got to the final in the first place - they are winners 1 to 17.

Onto the game itself, not much happened in the first ten minutes, the teams size each other up. Ryan are a familiar opposition, from both EJA and several District team-mates. First important action on 10 minutes when Louis makes a strong clearance. Ryan's danger striker Samir is lively as usual but so is Hill's Joel, far too strong for the Ryan defence to handle and when he comes short the defenders don't know whether to stick or twist. Sam Barrett makes an important save from a bobbling shot on 21 minutes.

On 24 minutes a tactical masterstroke from Hill's gaffer as he switches Harry from right to left back to counter the pace of Ryan's pacy and skilful no.14.  Soon after Ben B comes on up front for Joel, Arjun switches for Aidan on the wing. At the back, several strong blocks by Max and Sid who know they are in a game but are more than up to the challenge. 

On 33 minutes, Tommy breaks free on the right wing, the defender is chasing his shadow and clips Tommy just as he is bearing in on goal. Credit the Ref this time, he asks the linesman who makes a correct decision and gives a penalty. George J steps up and calmly slots it to the keepers left. Un-saveable. 1-0 to Hill. On the balance of play this feels just about right, although Hill haven't been at their best.

Just before half-time Ryan attack, the linesman gives an important offside decision as there was a possible penalty shout that followed.  The benefit of independent strong linesman is clear to everyone as Hill go into half-time 1-0.

The second half starts and Ryan are quicker out of the blocks, their pacy winger steals in behind the defence, crosses in and Louis clears off the line, Ryan follow up and despite Louis's heroics again, Ryan's header finds the net. 1-1 on 45 mins.

Ryan are back in business and it takes more great blocks from Harry and Louis to keep the scores level.  At this stage it could go either way. Joel comes back on for Arg, Ben B off for Max B, but Hill are fighting for their lives at the back, with another goaline clearance from Louis, behind the keeper this time. But, the very dangerous Ryan 14 is being consistently frustrated by Harry's tough tackles, nicking the ball ahead of him etc. The winger gets away once (and once only) which was very arguably a foul on Harry, probably the worst thing he could've done as Harry gets up and puts in such a crunching, perfectly-timed tackle on the 14 that he doesn't even want the ball anymore and we don't see him again. No mean feat.

Hill have a good ten minutes from about 48th-58th minute, Max B holding up the ball well, Joel causing trouble, Tommy shoots just wide and George J is pulling the strings.  But, we don't score during this period when we are on top, which comes back to haunt us.

Ryan counter-attack strongly and on 70 minutes win a free-kick in a dangerous position on the edge of the box.  The taker puts it into a dangerous position, Ryan's number 5 times his run perfectly and buries the header. 1-2 to Ryan. And that's about it. A few substitutions as George Em and Adam come on. The ref misses several fouls, some pretty obvious ones on Tommy, but credit to Ryan's defence who are pretty stout at this stage.  

Game over.  Credit again to a strong Ryan team, hard luck for Hill.  Again.  Not much in the game, Ryan scored when they were on top and Hill didn't when we were.  A bit too soon I know, but does any regular watcher of Hill doubt they can match this again next year and go one step further?  This team can do it.

Final point, Man of the Match was officially given to Ryan's No.5.  A good player no doubt, but anyone who knows football would've voted for Harry for another defensive masterclass.

Onwards and upwards.

Hill go down in the Fun Cup...

Needham Market FC 1-1 BHFC 

(aet pens 5-4 Needham)

Glorious morning for a road trip to Suffolk. The conditions were lovely and the home team informed us we had use of the main pitch….all great. Despite the pitch being quite cut up and lacking a bit of grass, which made ball control a challenge, the set up was it’s usual welcoming and warm greeting.

Hill had a bit of a threadbare squad with 5 or 6 missing so we went with a slightly changed format in midfield. The defence was its usual line up of Sam, Harry, Sid, Max J and Lou, the midfield was much changed with Aidan and Julian in the middle flanked by Gerg and Arjen (Ben B. was at the game but failed late fitness test) and Max B up front with Ben H. in behind him. We were going for the ball not Max B feet and to try and play off him. Adam H was our one sub and was brought into play early to assist returning knee injury Arjen.

In the early exchanges both teams were finding their feet on the pitch and testing each other out. The pitch was tricky and it was clear defences needed to be on guard as a slight mistake or mis-control was likely. 

There was nothing to choose between the sides in the first half with no real clear cut chances made by either team and both sides were left to try shots from range as both defences looked very solid. Half time 0-0 and nothing of note to report.

The second half started in a similar vein with both sides trying balls over the top to get in behind as two well organised sides were not allowing much space down the flanks. Half chances were the order of the day with the best of them, if you can call them that, falling to Bolton, Dackombe and Proctor but with each of them going to there keeper to make relatively easy saves. Therefore half way into the second half and the deadlock not broken. In typical fashion the ball bobbles around in midfield and loose toe pushes it forwards to Jessop who tries to control but the awkward bounce stands the ball up and the shout for handball is given by the ref. Looked harsh from where we were as it didn’t look clear handball. However, free kick it is some 25 yards out and unfortunately for Hill, the long range looping effort dips right at the death under he bar and Barrett can only push it into the roof of the net. 0-1. The home side are jubilant and confident as in a game where goals look like precious commodities they clearly fancy they can hang on.

This galvanises Hill though and they up their intensity and straight away start to get on top. 10 minutes later and deservedly they are level. a good ball into  the box sees Proctor use his pace to good effect, he commits the keeper who brings him down for a clear pen. 

Up steps DACKOMBE as the makeshift penalty taker in the absence of more regular spot kick specialists and calmly dispatches the pen into the bottom left corner 1-1.

The game then resorts to type and we play out the remainder of normal time as a stalemate. The best chance falling right at the death to Dackombe but its on his left foot and the keeper saves easily.

We are playing 2 x 10 mins of extra time and given the pattern of play penalties look like the nailed on certainty. After 20 minutes of give and take, that is exactly what we get.

Hill select their 5. Dackombe, Jessop, Barrett, Barrett and Harris.

Dackombe, after taking such a good penalty in normal time is the only one to miss from both sides and despite S. Barrett’s efforts he can’t save one to take it into sudden death.

Hill crash out in unfortunate manner. Penalties being the downfall once again. Hopefully though with that one out of their system, The London County Cup will be a different outcome!!!!