Andy Leete
Loxwood Cobras 2 Chiddingfold 4 (u11)
Despite the dull over overcast conditions, the Cobras and Chiddingfold served up a cracker at Great Common.
The Cobras had a point to prove going into this fixture after a heavy defeat in the away fixture a few weeks earlier.
With a slightly tweaked formation and specific instructions given the game got underway and it was clear from the start that a much closer encounter was about to be served up. Kelsey, Marco and Fin stoic in defence, Ben going toe to toe with their playmaker and Sam always a willing runner through the channels with his clever movement.
Both teams carving out some early half chances, Willem also making some fine saves in goal. A period of sustained opposition dominance resulted in an opening goal for the visitors, 0-1. Undeterred the Cobras fought back with some nice passing with young Barney impressing down the left. A quick pass from midfield found Sam through the middle with plenty to do, a fine burst pace, strength to hold of the retreating defender and a cool head meant the Cobras were back in the game 1-1.
An even end to the half with both teams having chances but not taking advantage meant it was all square at the break.
Minors changes were made with Willem bolstering the midfield, the impressive Chris taking a breather.
The second half commenced with the Cobras heading up the slope. Strangely this worked in our favour as a period of sustained Cobras pressure resulted in Sam receiving a ball into him with his back to goal, a fine turn with a clever shot which agonisingly eventually rolled into the back of the net under the keeper sending the home fans into raptures!! 2-1 Cobras, time to believe !
Not used to being behind Chid made some changes immediately and their danger man returned to the fray. The Cobras delight was short lived with the visitors soon leveling the score. 2-2.
Chris returned to the battle with Dan making way, forward came the Cobras again with Willem and Ben making things happen. The visitors post was rattled, goal line scrambles, flying saves meant that somehow the visitors were somehow still level.
With full-time approaching fatigue started to play a part and Barney was forced into action, on several occasions making excellent saves.
With just a couple of minutes remaining the visitors found more success down the Cobras right flank and a fine finish from a tight angle from the edge the the box finally broke the Cobras resolve, 2-3
With pretty much the last kick of the game the visitors made sure of their win adding a fine fourth. 2-4.
Despite the defeat, the Cobras can be proud of the way in which they acquitted themselves running a very strong Chid team close to the wire. Every single player gave it their all with one of the best performances so far this season.
Well done to Sam and Willem for their awards, so many others were also deserving in a fine team performance.
Loxwood Cobras 2 Chiddingfold 4 (u11)
Despite the dull over overcast conditions, the Cobras and Chiddingfold served up a cracker at Great Common.
The Cobras had a point to prove going into this fixture after a heavy defeat in the away fixture a few weeks earlier.
With a slightly tweaked formation and specific instructions given the game got underway and it was clear from the start that a much closer encounter was about to be served up. Kelsey, Marco and Fin stoic in defence, Ben going toe to toe with their playmaker and Sam always a willing runner through the channels with his clever movement.
Both teams carving out some early half chances, Willem also making some fine saves in goal. A period of sustained opposition dominance resulted in an opening goal for the visitors, 0-1. Undeterred the Cobras fought back with some nice passing with young Barney impressing down the left. A quick pass from midfield found Sam through the middle with plenty to do, a fine burst pace, strength to hold of the retreating defender and a cool head meant the Cobras were back in the game 1-1.
An even end to the half with both teams having chances but not taking advantage meant it was all square at the break.
Minors changes were made with Willem bolstering the midfield, the impressive Chris taking a breather.
The second half commenced with the Cobras heading up the slope. Strangely this worked in our favour as a period of sustained Cobras pressure resulted in Sam receiving a ball into him with his back to goal, a fine turn with a clever shot which agonisingly eventually rolled into the back of the net under the keeper sending the home fans into raptures!! 2-1 Cobras, time to believe !
Not used to being behind Chid made some changes immediately and their danger man returned to the fray. The Cobras delight was short lived with the visitors soon leveling the score. 2-2.
Chris returned to the battle with Dan making way, forward came the Cobras again with Willem and Ben making things happen. The visitors post was rattled, goal line scrambles, flying saves meant that somehow the visitors were somehow still level.
With full-time approaching fatigue started to play a part and Barney was forced into action, on several occasions making excellent saves.
With just a couple of minutes remaining the visitors found more success down the Cobras right flank and a fine finish from a tight angle from the edge the the box finally broke the Cobras resolve, 2-3
With pretty much the last kick of the game the visitors made sure of their win adding a fine fourth. 2-4.
Despite the defeat, the Cobras can be proud of the way in which they acquitted themselves running a very strong Chid team close to the wire. Every single player gave it their all with one of the best performances so far this season.
Well done to Sam and Willem for their awards, so many others were also deserving in a fine team performance.
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