A winning weekend for the U11s across the board!

​Lethal Cobras go goal crazy ! ​(Andy Leete)

First up for the Cobras in their trophy hunt found them matched up away at the Brockham Badgers. A tricky pitch awaited both teams with several Cobras players missing through injury and illness. 

Sylvester filling in at right back after impressing the previous week and the returning Angus playing the lone striker role.

The game started at a frantic pace with it clear from the off that Brockham no '7' would be a handful with an impressive turn of pace. Twice in the first five minutes he was allowed too much room to run at the Cobras backline, and the Cobras quickly found themselves 2-0 down.  

This was the wake up call needed and the Cobras upped their game with the ever improving Dan providing some excellent link up play to relieve the pressure on the Cobras back line. A break down the right from Sam and a cross into the box found Angus unmarked and he found the far corner with an excellent finish to make it 1-2.

The game continued at a frenetic pace with the Cobras confidence growing, Ben found himself within range outside the box and finding the top corner with a lovely strike 2-2. Soon after the always dangerous Sam rifled in a third to complete a fantastic comeback 3-2 Cobras. Another lapse in the Cobras back line allowed the Badgers danger man too much time and space and he calmly made it 3-3. 

Thankfully the half time whistle came and time for the traveling supporters to catch their breaths - what a game we had on our hands. More goals were expected after the restart. 

As the second half started Kelsey and Ben combined well to contain the danger man and his opportunities were kept to a minimum. Sylvester and Marco also providing some excellent options down the flanks.

The second half proved to be one of total Cobras domination with some fantastic passing and movement from everyone. With Sam restored to his familiar strikers role he terrorised the Badgers defence time after time. Further goals followed with another for Ben, one for Willem, a Luc Trench thunderbolt and Sam proving constant menace and adding five more goals to the scoreline. The Badgers did manage a further consolation goal but the Cobras probably should have added more to their tally. Final score.....11-4 Cobras. 

An excellent team performance to get the trophy campaign underway. Well done everyone ! 

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CHARLWOOD (CW) vs LOXWOOD VIPERS (Jeremy Garbett)

The satnavs were working hard as the various mums and dads of the Vipers cruised - at a very early hour - into the Charlwood car park. A tough & long journey – it made the Lord of the Rings look like a stroll....but all players were present and correct as ‘Fergie’ Fielden led them into an intensive Vipers warm up. Could THIS be the day?....
 
1H: Great opening 10 minutes – Vipers playing mostly in CW half. Vipers keeping their shape and passing to each other. Sam V. playing a blinder with a vice like grip on the right back position – not only crunching tackles but great vision too in stepping in & stopping attack after attack.

CW had their first foray forward after 12 minutes but Harry J. in goal snuffed it out smoothly. Vipers turned the screw – William battling and winning in midfield, Cam striding around like a giant – cleverly putting off the opposition by falling down occasionally as he tackled...but it worked.

Harry S. buzzing brilliantly up and down the wing, Jody surging through the middle, Charlie tracking and tackling back really well but then whipping in crosses aplenty. CW grew more defensive...but they were good – last ditch tackles as we drove forward – it was compelling stuff.

In the last couple of minutes Sebby clearing it forward released Cody who then passed superbly to Jody who shot just wide again... the Vipers were on it. Halftime still 0-0 but the Vipers supporters singing hard....

2H: Another strong start from the Vipers, Charlie crossing strongly through to Jody who twisted and shot ....such a near miss....Viper fans clutched at each other. Harry S. with a counter tackle tore into CW pen, smart interchange with Cam then Jody shot once more...just wide so close again.

Cam (now staying on feet a lot more) imperious in midfield, Sam keeping their forward line very quiet still and now Sebby in goal calmly dealing with each sporadic CW attack. Harry J. patrolled the Vipers back line with determination. Seagull appears and from 100 feet offloads onto Garth jacket and wheels away cackling...is that luck? well gallantly he takes it as such...anyway down to the last 5 mins...

......the CW goalie having a brilliant match too, doing really well in catching or saving everything Vipers threw at him...but...what’s this?...Harry S. & Cam & William all superbly involved down the left wing with two touch passing ...slipped through to Jody...who whipped through to then skilfully side foot past their goalie and...ITS 1.0 Vipers !!!!! Fans delirious. Vipers finish strongly and whistle blows.
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Hats in the air. Vipers first win for many, many months and so well deserved. CW beat us 7-2 in Nov 2019 and at home....so what a turnaround. Well done team...brilliant sustained performance...a spring board for the rest of the season I say. (and thank you Mr Seagull...he must be from Brighton & Hove....)
 
Boy of the Match – Sam V.

In a set of 3(!!!) interviews firstly Sam Vitesse........

commentary from goalscorer Jody and Cameron Ramsay......

and last but certainly not least....... "fan of the day" and proud father of our hero goalscorer Steve Smith