words:Simon G/pics:Garth
After a run of good performances, but disappointing results, the Cobras of Loxwood arrived at the hallowed turf of Great Common, keen to secure the victory they so deserved. Since it all came down to this game; both the last of the season, and the last under the tutelage of coach Andy Leete (after more than 4 years of involvement at the club), the brave boys in white were particularly motivated - and it showed, from the moment the first whistle blew.
The game began with Angus in goal, a back line of Luc, Kelsey and Willem; a midfield of Sylvester, Dan, Ben and Harry, with Oscar playing up front. Instructions from the manager were to press the opposition into their half, and to communicate positively with each other - and boy did they listen!
The Griffins were up against it, as the Cobras kept much of the football out of their defensive third with a commitment to win the ball and make challenges with conviction. The Cobras worked well in midfield; Sylvester making some great runs up the wing and Harry and Ben linking up well in the centre, both getting forward into goal scoring positions. However, it took a perfect through ball from Luc to impact the scoreboard. Ben, running onto the pass, slotted the ball into the corner of the net. 1-0 Cobras.
Further opportunities then came, with Albury visibly rattled. An unfortunate miss-hit from an Albury defender finding its way over their keeper and into the back of the net, 2-0 Cobras, and the half time whistle went.
The game began with Angus in goal, a back line of Luc, Kelsey and Willem; a midfield of Sylvester, Dan, Ben and Harry, with Oscar playing up front. Instructions from the manager were to press the opposition into their half, and to communicate positively with each other - and boy did they listen!
The Griffins were up against it, as the Cobras kept much of the football out of their defensive third with a commitment to win the ball and make challenges with conviction. The Cobras worked well in midfield; Sylvester making some great runs up the wing and Harry and Ben linking up well in the centre, both getting forward into goal scoring positions. However, it took a perfect through ball from Luc to impact the scoreboard. Ben, running onto the pass, slotted the ball into the corner of the net. 1-0 Cobras.
Further opportunities then came, with Albury visibly rattled. An unfortunate miss-hit from an Albury defender finding its way over their keeper and into the back of the net, 2-0 Cobras, and the half time whistle went.
In the second half, with Marco now on, securing things at the back, Albury began to force their way back into the game, a flurry of brilliant stops from new keeper Willem kept the sheet clean. The Cobras continued to play positively; Angus, now in the outfield made some great runs up the wing and serviced the forward players with perfect crosses and corners. Albury attacking efforts began to dry up, thanks to strength at the back from Kelsey and some better engagement from Dan. Oscar continued to provide a constant threat on the counter attack and Luc tracking the Albury forwards like a heat-seeking missile.
Altogether the most assured performance of the season, and a well-deserved 2-0 victory.
Parents player award went the excellent Kelsey for another outstanding defensive display (just needs to be more gentle with his crosses when he's pressing higher up the pitch!), and coaches award went jointly to two clean-sheet-keepers, Angus and Willem, who both combined confident shot-stopping with clear calling and positive leadership from the back.
Great heart from the boys to work so hard as a team, making coach Andy proud-as-punch in the process.
A big thank you from everyone connected to the U12s who have been honoured to have Andy and Angus with us over the years..... our teams would never have developed without your unselfish commitment, dedication and expertise!
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