U9s Westside vs Clapham Rangers Youths (A) 24/2/2017

by claphamrangers · 24th February 2017

Match Type: League
Venue: Spencer Park
Squad: Archie, Ed Sc, Alexander, Rory, Sal, Lucas , Elliot , Ed H, Ed C, Vincenzo, Rex, James
Result: 2-1 win
Scorers: Lucas 1 & Own Goal
MOTM: Alexander

The youths got back into action after the half term break will a full squad coached by Ruben on a cold damp morning at Spencer Park. The first half kicked off with Archie in goal, Alexander & Edward Scorey in defence. Rory. Sal & Elliot were in midfield and Lucas upfront.

The Westside boys looked bright and organised from the beginning, with a three man defence, including a boy nearly as tall as some of the parents. Rory and Sal were busy in midfield working to take control of the game. Elliot started really well running down the right wing, putting their defence under pressure and getting a few balls into the box for Lucas to try and run on to.

Despite our pressure the best chances of the first half went to Westside with long balls over the top of our defence but Archie twice came flying out of his box to clear the loose balls. He was definitely up for anything that came his way. Ruben kept up the energy levels by bringing on the subs with James coming onto right midfield, Rex for Rory and Ed H for Lucas upfront. Ed C and Vincenzo then came on for Sal and Ed Scorey. Westside probably shaded the first half with a couple more chances but Sal was solid in tackling as they broke through and Archie pulled off a great diving save.

Into the second half and CRFC pushed forward to step up the pressure. Perhaps Westside with less subs got tired but we kept going and midway into the half Vincenzo put through a great ball down the centre. Lucas latched onto it under pressure and shot at the keeper but managed to pick up the rebound and slot it in for 1-0. A few minutes later the pressure counted again as Lucas whipped in a curling corner that bounced off a Westside player for 2-0!

Westside were down but not out so pushed hard and managed to get a goal back & put in a few more good efforts but CRFC kept calm and held tight to the final whistle. This was two wins in a row so after a tough start the Youths are finding their feet in the higher league after all.