Twin Oaks FC U13's V Billingshurst Youth

Loppets Road

Twin Oaks started their season at 9:45AM today, which is a bit of a shame because kick off was at 9:30AM!

By 9:40am we were 2-0 down even though we had more than enough possession and shots to be on even terms. As soon as the first goal went in I felt certain that we would claw our way back. With a super cross and Tom waiting at the back post to bring the score back to 2-1 we were off the mark. A similar turn of events lead to Tom’s second and put us back on level.

Yet another break away goal from the opposition which came from a two versus two situation after we had a corner meant that we were chasing again, although we really didn’t deserve to be. I think though that the defence finally steadied itself and became aware of how the opposition was looking to play.

We needed an equalizer before half time, and when Sam pursued a lost cause down the left side of the pitch where everyone was expecting the ball to roll out for a goal kick he helped bring us back to level terms once again. His perseverance and a good cross resulted in Tom hitting his hat trick by half time! This helped our confidence significantly.

With the defence more sturdy than before, and the midfield starting to dominate the second half became an easier affair.

Ellias soon broke up Tom’s goal scoring dominance by scoring himself and for the first time in the match putting us into a 4-3 lead.

However everything that Tom touched today turned to gold (or should I say goals!) and a fourth and fifth followed shortly after.

The second half was a lot more fluid in terms of our play and unusually more of the game emanated from our left hand side. By now Tom had filled his socks for the day. Liam scored his only goal of the day, and Ellias shortly after scored his second much to the annoyance of Jerome who had worked hard to get into a goal scoring position but had it stolen from him at the last, but perfectly with a scorching shot.

The best goal of the day came from Josh’s finish after a lobbed through ball resulted in Josh being left one v one against their keeper but calmly and with some aplomb he lobbed the keeper and the ball dropped delightfully under the bar.

The final score of 9-3 was just reward for our style and the effort that all of the boys put in.

Elsewhere on the pitch Matt had an excellent performance taking the ball from corners, and coming out of his area well to thwart many a long ball over the defence. He has improved as a keeper substantially and should be proud and confident in his abilities.

At the back Jason, Charlie, Shaun, and Connor improved over the course of the game and became very strong by the end.Overall it was a very satisfactory display if not a little nervous in the first half.

I think we can play better and will need to play in weeks to come starting next week with Maidenbower Colts.

Ryan played his best part in the game late on up front on the left hand side, as a willing outlet for diagonal balls which he chased tirelessly.

We have not been in the habit of giving a man of the match, but today I think one player deserved it for his excellent finishing. Now who would that be? I believe he scored 10 goals last season so with another game next week let’s hope he achieves last years total! Well done Tom.

Goalscorers -
Tom 5
Ellias 2
Liam
Josh

Man of the Match - Tom