Sunday 4th March 2012

On a Cold and Wet Sunday lunchtime and as I write this Beth confirms that it is “very” wet, Phoenix & Ranelagh U16 squad played Bracknell.

Bracknell took the early initiative with a short corner within 3 minutes of the game starting but P & R defended well pushing the ball out wide.

P & R then had an opportunity of taking the lead when Josh passed out wide to the wing where Dewi ran like the wind to collect the ball and pass into the D where Josh took the return pass and hit the post.  From there on in P & R were on top.

The first goal came from Cleo’s accurate strike into the left corner from a short corner.

The second goal and as coach my favourite as it was a team goal from back to front.  The ball came out of defence where Bradley picked the ball up on the wing driving into the D where he pulled it back to the P spot where David slotted it in.

The third goal came very quickly after the second with a solo effort from Bradley passing 3 players and slotting into the back post with a slap.

The fourth goal came from a well worked short corner where Lucy Plummer received the ball at the top of the goal and pushed it onto the post where Bradley slotted it in.

The fifth goal was again a short corner from a strike from Cleo, into the far right corner this time.

Goals 6, 7 and 8 came from open play.  6 again a well worked team goal finished off nicely by Mikey. Goal 7 and 8 from Bradley, giving Bradley top scorer.

A little complacency and lack of concentration meant Bracknell were able to get a consolation goal.

FINAL SCORE 8 to P & R , 1 to BRACKNELL.

8 goals scored all very different and it could have been more but for the amazing saves the young keeper from Bracknell made.  He will have a bright future.

What was the most pleasing thing of this result was the teamwork the kids showed.  They used the last few weeks of training to use the skills developed and supported one another, keeping their shape beautifully.

A big congratulation goes to all the children as it was a bitterly cold and wet day but they achieved a great result.