Youth Reports 2015-16
25 October 2015
Bushey Rangers Eagle 3 Northwood Reds Under 12s 0
Another good overall performance from the boys but again we came away on the losing side. This week the team did start a bit on the back foot against league leaders Bushey, who were allowed the freedom to play some good passing football. After the first 5 minutes Northwood did start to get into the game but were unfortunately did not have the luck or conviction in the final third of the field.
On the 18th minute a fine run from the Bushey No.9 saw him take a good shot that would have beaten any goalkeeper: 1-0 Bushey. This goal did spark Northwood into action with some fine attacking play but without that final pass or finish. At the other end of the park the defence with Joshua playing in the centre of the back 3 of him, George & Lewis Ryan, with Ben B in front were stopping all that Bushey were throwing at them. The half time whistle blew and boys came off 1-0 down but still very much in the game.
The second half started with Northwood looking a bit sharper, and were beginning to string some good passing moves together. However one of this moves broke down and Bushey went up the other end despite some good covering again by the back three, a good shot beat Rayyan: 2-0 Bushey.
Northwood then did enjoy their best period of the game, with George finding Lewis Reid with an exquisite cross field pass that Lewis ran onto and fired a shot in but the goalkeeper was a match for it. Then moments later Ben Freeth picked out Callum but again the goalkeeper saved. The boys could sense that they were getting on top but it was probably not going to be their day. Joshua again found Lewis Reid and again the shot was good but did not find the net. With about 10 minutes to go the next goal was going to be crucial, and with Northwood well on top it could have turned the game, but a good through ball found the quick Bushey striker who also finished well: 3-0 Bushey. You could tell that the third goal had killed off any chance of the Northwood comeback as the Bushey defence was very well organised as well and we were having one of those days in front of goal.
With five minutes to go the referee, who I thought did have a very good game, awarded Bushey a penalty. The big No.9 stepped up to take it and expecting Rayyan to dive he drilled it down the centre of the goal, Rayyan somehow got a foot to it and kept it out his second penalty save in as many weeks. The final whistle blew and it was a deserved victory for table topping Bushey, but the boys were really never out of it until it went 3-0.
This week’s player of the match Joshua accepted the challenge of playing in the heart of the defence this week instead of his usual striker role, he had a great overall game finishing with him getting his well-deserved award.
Well done to all the boys!
Dave Blincko
Northwood Under 8 Reds v Whetstone Wanderers
The Reds hosted Whetstone Wanderers at Northwood Park for a 12 pm kick off, and were looking to build on what has been an impressive start to the season. Northwood started the brighter of the two sides but never really created any clear cut chances until midway through the first half when Antonio picked the ball up out wide, cut in and fired home to put the Reds in front. Whetstone responded immediately with some great play and a neat finish to bring the score line level. Northwood were not fazed by the equalizer and went straight on the attack, only to be denied by some great goalkeeping. Shaan, who was causing all sorts of trouble for the Whetstone defence finally put the ball in the net after a host of missed chances. Tobi then joined in on the act with a neat finish after a mix up in the box by Whetstones defence. The half drew to a close with Northwood in front.
The second half started and Whetstone came out with a point to prove. Chance after chance was wasted by Whetstone who were now well and truly on top. Sam Gleeson, who was our stand-in goal keeper on the day, was now having the game of his life. Whetstone finally got a goal back from a great strike from outside the box. Northwood responded shortly after with a goal completely against the run of play, goalkeeper Sam finding Kingston in space, who touched the ball of the advancing keeper. Whetstone were not finished there and went on to score another only for Northwood to pinch one back from Amaan. As the game drew to a close Whetstone began to tire, a late hat-trick from Antonio wrapped the game for Northwood. The score line really flattered Northwood as Whetstone were clearly the strongest side in the second half.
Goalscorers: Antonio (4) Kingston, Shaan, Tobi and Amaan.
MOM - Sam Gleeson – Stand-in goalkeeper on the day, Sam put in a performance of a lifetime. He pulled off save after save frustrating Whetstones attackers and fully deserved the MOM award. For someone who very rarely plays in goal, he certainly did not look out of place there!
Jay Hall
