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.
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