Cobras vs Dorking - Cup Game 2
Simon Gwilliam
Great Common welcomed Dorking for the Cobras second cup game of the season. Looking to secure their second win on the bounce, and the top spot in the group, the Loxwood boys appeared focused and determined to see off their opponents.
The boys in white asserted their control over the game early with 2 great goals from Sam, via some brilliant through balls from Ben in the centre. Chris then made it 3 with a contender for goal of the season, after a great series of passes brought the ball forward for the Cobras. A rare mistake at the back allowed Dorking a lifeline, and the teams went in at the break 3-1.
A rousing team talk saw the travelling side come out guns blazing at the restart. Both teams pressed hard in attack and an exciting period of end-to-end play brought Dorking back within 1. 3-2
The boys in white asserted their control over the game early with 2 great goals from Sam, via some brilliant through balls from Ben in the centre. Chris then made it 3 with a contender for goal of the season, after a great series of passes brought the ball forward for the Cobras. A rare mistake at the back allowed Dorking a lifeline, and the teams went in at the break 3-1.
A rousing team talk saw the travelling side come out guns blazing at the restart. Both teams pressed hard in attack and an exciting period of end-to-end play brought Dorking back within 1. 3-2
The Cobras resolved to restore their lead, but frustration set in as a fantastic move from Luc down the wing led to a great team goal only to see it chalked off for offside. Further Cobra pressure brought a great chance for Sam again, just wide! Ben then rattled the corner of the goal from a corner; Dan too had a great chance, blazed just over; still the scoreboard stayed static.
Finally, our nerves were settled as Sam slotted the ball home coolly, crowd went wild. With their lead restored, the Cobras dug in for a period of determined defending, with Ben the talisman in the centre making some incredible tackles and regaining possession.
However, 5 minutes from the end, a Dorking cross floated into the bet after Barney in goal was oBstructed by his own player. 4-3; five nervous minutes to go.
Dorking surged forwards, looking for the equaliser, thankfully the whistle came first, and the brave Loxwood boys leapt into the air to celebrate their second win of their cup run.
A great performance for the whole team. Luc T had another great game, Archie, Fin and Marco continue to grow in confidence. Dan looked assertive going forward, Barney took control in goal in the second half, Kelsey continued to be a dependable figure in defence, and Willem played well both in goal and outfield, motivating his teammates as usual. However, the parents award went to Sam for his hat trick and confident creativity in attack; and the coaches award went to Ben for his leadership, passing and tackling.
Finally, our nerves were settled as Sam slotted the ball home coolly, crowd went wild. With their lead restored, the Cobras dug in for a period of determined defending, with Ben the talisman in the centre making some incredible tackles and regaining possession.
However, 5 minutes from the end, a Dorking cross floated into the bet after Barney in goal was oBstructed by his own player. 4-3; five nervous minutes to go.
Dorking surged forwards, looking for the equaliser, thankfully the whistle came first, and the brave Loxwood boys leapt into the air to celebrate their second win of their cup run.
A great performance for the whole team. Luc T had another great game, Archie, Fin and Marco continue to grow in confidence. Dan looked assertive going forward, Barney took control in goal in the second half, Kelsey continued to be a dependable figure in defence, and Willem played well both in goal and outfield, motivating his teammates as usual. However, the parents award went to Sam for his hat trick and confident creativity in attack; and the coaches award went to Ben for his leadership, passing and tackling.
Vipers vs MilfordGarth O'Mara  After the stormy weather conditions of the past few weeks it was heartening to get back to match football. A big and enthusiastic turn-out of our young lads eagerly looking forward to facing the Inter Milan dressed Milford side for a cup game. “Padlock-gate” ensured that last minute supplies had to be sought to provide our respect line and repainting of parts of the pitch but as always, we overcame adversity with the help of Steve and Marco on this occasion. With the penalty, centre spots and goal line repainted it was pleasing to see that our Wembley-esque surface had absorbed most of the onslaught of the previous couple of weeks. With our celebrity ref in place - “Hawkeye Leete” - is was confirmed that Stockley Park good have the next couple of hours off and pop off down to Costa and we were ready for kick-off. The Vipers matches this season have been a story of slow starts – not on this occasion. A slight change in personnel upfront and a Harry Smith who had 16 Weetabix for sure (can you be drug tested for Weetabix?) ensured the Vipers came out of the gate quicker than Eric Dier racing up the West Stand on a Wednesday night. 4 mins gone and Sam raced up the right wing (which was to be a feature) and crossed to Jody who as we know these days only needs one sniff (for smith – there is a headline there somewhere) and the ball was buried into the bottom corner. Milford struggled to contain the Vipers in this early spell and anything thrown at the Vipers was contained by the always well positioned and controlled Cody, Harry J being his usual unflappable self and the enthusiastic “George Jennings” in goal commanding his area. Before the 2nd goal was scored Jody had already had a 1:1 and the Mildford keeper was brave and strong in denying him – more on him later. The pressure continued though and after 8 mins Harry S this time from the left flashed the ball into the area and Jody this time had a lot of time to think about it. It was never in doubt though as he kept his composure and slotted the ball into the same corner. |
Milford continued their endeavor however “George Barthez” was now in goal and showed some very comprehensive defensive skills outside the area which nearly ended in Jo having a heart attack. William was having a strong game in midfield alongside Cam – they were a good combination of speed and brawn and worked well with the tenacious Oscar who had entered the game, hitting a long shot to create confusion. The numbers of shots being attempted from range was a feature.
Once again the Milford keeper did well to repel the Vipers attacks and at the other end George performed a tactical save that had all the grown men (and Steve) wincing and holding their pair of “Georges” in sympathy with him as Coach Paul pondered how to apply first aid to this situation.
The pressing and attacking continued and a perfect example was demonstrated by Harry S as he was first onto a Milford goal kick and returned the ball straight back into the bottom corner. Although 3-0 Milford were still dangerous but in the next waves of attack Sebby showed how to put his foot in and excellent positional management by Raff pushed Milford wide to snuff out any sort of chance.
Raff ventured forward and caused issues. The crowd screamed at the boys that they should ensure you are not offside at the throw-in that had been won. Until that is, it was pointed out that you actually can’t be offside from a throw-in – oops! J Raff had two chances that stung the keeper’s gloves and rebounded into Charlies path but he couldn’t quite get the ball from out from under his feet to convert.
The 4th goal right at half-time will long be remembered as “toe-punt of the season”. From the halfway line Cody expertly, toe punted the ball that whipped goalwards, span off the now getting slippery surface and beyond the unlucky Milford keeper to hit the post and go in. Messi could try that 1,000 times and not execute it so flawlessly! 4-0 at Half-time.
Once again the Milford keeper did well to repel the Vipers attacks and at the other end George performed a tactical save that had all the grown men (and Steve) wincing and holding their pair of “Georges” in sympathy with him as Coach Paul pondered how to apply first aid to this situation.
The pressing and attacking continued and a perfect example was demonstrated by Harry S as he was first onto a Milford goal kick and returned the ball straight back into the bottom corner. Although 3-0 Milford were still dangerous but in the next waves of attack Sebby showed how to put his foot in and excellent positional management by Raff pushed Milford wide to snuff out any sort of chance.
Raff ventured forward and caused issues. The crowd screamed at the boys that they should ensure you are not offside at the throw-in that had been won. Until that is, it was pointed out that you actually can’t be offside from a throw-in – oops! J Raff had two chances that stung the keeper’s gloves and rebounded into Charlies path but he couldn’t quite get the ball from out from under his feet to convert.
The 4th goal right at half-time will long be remembered as “toe-punt of the season”. From the halfway line Cody expertly, toe punted the ball that whipped goalwards, span off the now getting slippery surface and beyond the unlucky Milford keeper to hit the post and go in. Messi could try that 1,000 times and not execute it so flawlessly! 4-0 at Half-time.
So, the 2nd half started and although the lead was comfortable you just never know – you have to be patience, hold your nerve and concentrate without panic – the kids on the pitch also have to think about these things, not just the parents J
The game started with a surging run from Charlie from the half-way line. With Raff in a nice position by his side he charged past one (pass Charlie), he went around another (pass Charlie!), he went through a 3rd (please pass Charlie), he thumped it past the keeper (good goal Charlie I told you take them all on!).
Nerves settled the boys really started to enjoy the game. Cody continued an assured defensive performance and Charlie fed by a nice cross by Sam flashed the ball just wide. Milford continued to toil and hit the post and George was called into action once more. He went walkabout again and great support from William assured the defence remained intact.
As the 46th minute passed a corner bought a lovely cleared header from Sebby and the ball swiftly was moved upfield by a mobile midfield that left Charlie running up the left wing to cut inside and cross the ball for Jody (who was as always was in the right place) to volley the ball in for his hat-trick and the 6th goal. Goal of the game for sure.
This started a crazy 3 minutes as Milford won a corner 60 seconds later and then turn in a well-placed delivery to get the goal that their efforts had deserved. The 6-goal advantage was quickly restored however as George who had finally got his wish to come outfield made an impact with a shot that was rebounded to Jody who looped the ball over the keeper for a 7th.
With the game won Coach Paul tried some different formations with Jody moving into defence. The Milford keeper again was valiant by repelling further attacks but Georges general all round all round enthusiasm created a situation with Raff running in from the right to get his goal.
Sebby remained resolute in defence with a second header (someone call the FA!) and although the game finished with a bit of pinball wizard in the Milford error their keeper kept us out.
The game finished 8-1 which was a marvelous result for the boys. Credit has ot be given to Milford who never let their heads drop. Their continued enthusiasm and effort was a credit to their club – we all know how it feels to be on the end of a result like this. Special mention to their keeper who was fantastic throughout and didn’t really deserve his goal to be breached on that many occasions – the Vipers were simply on fire.
Player of the match was nominated as Harry Smith.
The final word goes to Coach Paul…….
The game started with a surging run from Charlie from the half-way line. With Raff in a nice position by his side he charged past one (pass Charlie), he went around another (pass Charlie!), he went through a 3rd (please pass Charlie), he thumped it past the keeper (good goal Charlie I told you take them all on!).
Nerves settled the boys really started to enjoy the game. Cody continued an assured defensive performance and Charlie fed by a nice cross by Sam flashed the ball just wide. Milford continued to toil and hit the post and George was called into action once more. He went walkabout again and great support from William assured the defence remained intact.
As the 46th minute passed a corner bought a lovely cleared header from Sebby and the ball swiftly was moved upfield by a mobile midfield that left Charlie running up the left wing to cut inside and cross the ball for Jody (who was as always was in the right place) to volley the ball in for his hat-trick and the 6th goal. Goal of the game for sure.
This started a crazy 3 minutes as Milford won a corner 60 seconds later and then turn in a well-placed delivery to get the goal that their efforts had deserved. The 6-goal advantage was quickly restored however as George who had finally got his wish to come outfield made an impact with a shot that was rebounded to Jody who looped the ball over the keeper for a 7th.
With the game won Coach Paul tried some different formations with Jody moving into defence. The Milford keeper again was valiant by repelling further attacks but Georges general all round all round enthusiasm created a situation with Raff running in from the right to get his goal.
Sebby remained resolute in defence with a second header (someone call the FA!) and although the game finished with a bit of pinball wizard in the Milford error their keeper kept us out.
The game finished 8-1 which was a marvelous result for the boys. Credit has ot be given to Milford who never let their heads drop. Their continued enthusiasm and effort was a credit to their club – we all know how it feels to be on the end of a result like this. Special mention to their keeper who was fantastic throughout and didn’t really deserve his goal to be breached on that many occasions – the Vipers were simply on fire.
Player of the match was nominated as Harry Smith.
The final word goes to Coach Paul…….
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