Date	Sunday 2nd October 2011
Match	Royston Town Youth Colts v March Soccer School
Competition	Cambridge & District Colts League U12A
Result	Won 3-2
Royston Scorers	OG, Callum, Tom T
Man of Match	Callum

It was a beautiful hot morning with only a light breeze, perfect for Cricket but not ideal for Football. We welcomed March Soccer School to the Heath having earlier agreed to a later kick off time because of the distance they had to travel.  We sensibly agreed to water breaks to stop the lads from dehydrating and Mark, our ref agreed to the request.

The match got under way and we were immediately put under pressure. Our five man midfield which worked so well last week was being over-run even with our extra man advantage. Callum got them organised and we began to settle although it was March who had the first shot. The ball fell kindly to their striker who tried a long range effort which Rory tipped round the post.

A smart one two down the wing between Keiran and Matt created space for Keiran to cross and it was met by Bruce’s outstretched leg but it went just wide of the post.

Just as we were getting back into the game March put a good move together that involved five players. The cross from the right was controlled just inside the box and the striker coolly slotted the ball past Rory for 1-0 to March.

To give our boys credit their heads did not go down after conceding and they pushed forward almost immediately from kick off in search of the equaliser.  Jack H was working well on the right wing and our holding midfield of Callum, Tom F and Matt were now taking control.

The ref blew for half time and it remained 1-0. Keith and I told the lads to keep working hard and because of the heat to let the ball do the work. We gave a well earned rest to Brad, Jack H and Foxy and brought on fresh legs in George, Lynson and Jack D.      

The fresh legs gave us a little bit extra and we came out in the second half looking a different team. We started to pass the ball about like Keith and I know they can and it wasn’t long before our pressure paid off. A cross from Lynson into a crowded box was heading towards Bruce, the March full back tried to get his body in the way to intercept and inadvertently turned the ball into his own net to level the score at 1-1.

We were now full of confidence and the defence of Jack D, Tom T, Kyle and Joe were looking very strong and our five man midfield were now bossing the proceedings. Callums work rate on such a hot day was very impressive.

And it was Callum who scored our second goal running in on to a loose ball on the edge of the box and drilled it into the bottom corner to make the score 2-1.

March continued to come at us and they were now creating most of the chances but Rory was looking impressive in goal marshalling the defenders in front of him. Suddenly the March striker was put through by a slide rule pass and it was one on one with Rory. Rory went down at his feet and gathered up the ball but in doing so he got injured and reluctantly came off.

Jack H went in goal and Keith and I took the opportunity to move the lads around and rest others. I asked Tom T and Keiran to swop places and within a couple of minutes Tom T was showing me he can play up front as well as at the back when he chased a huge kick from Jack H and as the March defenders hesitated he hit it past the on-rushing keeper to make it 3-1 and give us some breathing space.                    

Although we were working hard the score line did flatter us and we knew March would come at us again. And it wasn’t long before they reduced the deficit, a fine move straight through the middle of our defence caught us napping and a well placed shot past Jack made the score 3-2.

The last ten minutes were very close but our defence and five man midfield held firm and they worked well together as a unit. The ref blew for full time and we had held on for a well deserved 3-2 win.

Whilst today was not our best performance of the season, the lads worked extremely hard in hot conditions against a good footballing team. If March continue to play the way they do they will soon move up the table.

Credit goes to the lads for their stamina and determination and proved that even when we don’t  play to the best of our ability we have learnt how to dig in and grind out a win.  Well done to you all.

Team: Rory, Bradley, Kyle, Tom T, Joe, Jack H, Foxy, Matt, Callum, Keiran, Bruce, Jack D, Lynson, George