From Tonbridge Angels Youth FC

U13s vs Bexley - 08/01/12

Posted in: Under 13s - Kent Youth

By S Kiefer
Jan 17, 2012 - 8:21:32 AM

Score: Tonbridge Angels 2 - Bexley 2

As we start into 2012 the challenge was to see if the boys could put previous games behind them and stay in contention in games, which they certainly did in this fixture. We had been on the wrong end of an 8-0 drubbing earlier in the season and a more closely contested 5-3 defeat to the same opposition but this game saw a much more assured Angels.

The early exchanges saw the Angels defence operating well, with Tom Budd looking very assured in possession and Tommy George, Lewis Hayward and Guy Osborne (Captain) breaking up attacks that developed. Finbar Kiefer looked sharp in goal, dealing with any through balls and making some quality saves when required, and a fantastic recovery run and tackle from Oli Ricketts preventing a goal scoring opportunity. Once the ball was delivered into the midfield four of Tom Stevens, Callum Tolley, Luke Roberts and Josiah Mulabi-Kalete, they looked to keep it tidy and play the ball neatly up to the front two who were proving to be a real handful for the Bexley defence.

A heavy challenge on Callum Tolley meant a couple of positional changes were required, with Will Rugg dropping into right back and Tom Budd moving into midfield. The Angels kept looking to build attacks and the pressure eventually told with the hard work of Lee Blundell rewarded as he sprung the offside trap and won the footrace against the chasing Bexley defenders, before slotting home an assured finish against the advancing keeper.

The start of the second half saw Bexley come close from the kick off and the boys had to resort to some last ditch defending to keep Bexley at bay. However the relentless work of Lee Blundell and Oli Ricketts saw a number of further chances created, with the two linking superbly for Lee Blundell to fire home his second.

It was then a question of whether we could see the game out. With Lewis Hayward joining the injured list, James Hullis joined the defence and was immediately called upon to make a series of successful interventions. A through ball by Bexley saw Finbar attempt to clear his lines but unfortunately the luck of the bounce was with the advancing Bexley attacker who blocked the clearance and pounced on the loose ball to pull one back.

Bexley upped their game again as they sought an equaliser, and despite some good defending, Bexley managed to find a bit of room on the edge of the area and fire in a top corner finish. With just minutes left on the clock it was then about who wanted to win the game most and the Angels looked as if they had the upper hand as they got the ball into the Bexley box and had a good shout for a penalty, which was declined, and the game finishing at 2-2 which was probably a fair result.

Plenty of positives with all 13 players functioning well, and the style of play really enjoyable to watch.

Goal scorers: Lee Blundell (2)
Man of the Match: Lee Blundell