Coach: Ken Dullaway.
Upon witnessing the draw we found ourselves in group-1, our opponents consisted of Kings Cross, Gillingham and the Charlton Advanced Centre. We had been drawn to play first against Gillingham. After a nervous start the boys soon settled down, with Curtis dominating the defence, the midfield trio working hard and the front men causing problems, we created many chances and on the stroke of half-time, Curtis struck from distance, 1-0 SAFA. The second half saw good football and chances created by both sides, however with only seconds on the clock Gillingham caught us on the counter and levelled, full-time 1-1, a good result for the boys.
Our second game saw us compete against a strong Kings Cross side, and compete we did!! A fantastic 1st half by ourselves saw us gain a 1-0 advantage. We came out in the 2nd half and again began to dominate with some could quick flowing football, we got what we deserved and went 2-0 in front. Relaxing a little saw Kings Cross push forward, bringing some good saves out of our keeper, Thomas, the final whistle, we had won 2-1!! Excellent performance with a deserved result.
In our final fixture we came up against Charlton’s own advanced centre, the boys found it hard to match Charlton physically and the game finished 5-1 in Charlton’s favour. What a great afternoon for the boys, they played some excellent football, showed great desire to compete, and all in the true sprit of the game. They were a credit to their parents, clubs and SAFA, but most importantly to themselves, this experience will only enhance their development.
Coach: Ken Dullaway.
The first game saw us dominate Lewisham, our football was quick controlled and decisive, although 0-0 at half time we never looked threatened and in the 2nd half our pressure brought about a goal through an excellent strike from Brooker. Good performance, 1-0 winners, fantastic!!
Our 2nd game saw us take on a strong Brixton side, which brought about another excellent team performance. At one end Bonner pulled off a great save, Brooker this time creating a chance, which Joslin-Allen tucked away. However Brixton scored almost straight from the restart to level 1-1. a slight re-shuffle in the 2nd half did not upset the way we went about our football, controlled swift passing. Both teams had chances and the game finished 2-2, a fair result.
The next game was the big one, Charlton’s advanced centre, having seen how strong they were in there latter games, the boys were going to have to show great desire to compete against a very physical and good team pf players, and they done just that! Some excellent football from both teams saw ourselves edge in front 1-0 at half time. in the 2nd half Charlton came stepped up the pressure looking for the equaliser, they found it through a good strike. From their the game could have gone either way with both sides creating chances, however unfortunately for us, Charlton just edged it 2-1.
Our final fixture saw us take on East Grinstead, and what an exhibition of football from the boys. A Brooker Volley, Elliott’s amazing run and finish, Joslin-Allen crept in at the far post to score, we 3-0 and playing fluent confident football for all to see. The icing on the cake was delivered through Gladwish, excellent control and a great strike into the top corner leaving the keeper no chance from the edge of the area. The game finished 4-0 a grate result, however more importantly the performance was a pleasure to watch.
The boys had been a credit to all concerned, 2nd place only to Charlton’s advanced centre. I would like to thank all the parents for their support on both days.