Chelmsford City Under 9 Clarets

Match Report – February 7th 2010 

Chelmsford City  0     v    Hannikins Farm 1

After nearly 3 months of waiting the boys finally got their chance to play a Cup match against one of our closest rivals in the league, a close and exciting game was anticipated and we were not disappointed. Both teams passed the ball around exceptionally well and the action was end to end.

Hannikins started the better with their central midfielder driving them forwards and we initially struggled to contain them. Chances were generally in short supply with both defences hard to breach. The first real chance was snapped up the away team as a fine run and well struck low shot gave keeper Harry Gooch no chance. After that Chelmsford started to create more space and get their passing going with James Barry testing the opposition with his dribbling. Just before half time Archie McClelland played in Tyrese Fairmaner who struck a shot from 20 yards that hit the crossbar with the keeper beaten. However the defence were on their toes as with the last kick of the half Jacob Lodge expertly slid in to prevent a clear break on goal. 1-0 down and probably a fair reflection.

In the second half again Hannakins started brightly in the first few mins and keeper Gooch was called onto to make a fine low save. After that though the home team dominated possession and put Hannkins on the back foot. The defence was confident with Harrison Woods and Lewis Chapman defending well.  The switch to 3 in midfield allowed them to keep possession with Nathan Markham prominent, at times Chapman joined up with the attack leaving Lodge one on one with their striker which he coped with well.

For all the possession Hannakins were defending with skill and determination as well as a keeper in fine form keeping out efforts from Buscall and Ellis Casey. Mid way through the half Buscall escaped the defence and he dinked the ball over the keeper only to see it hit the crossbar once again. Then a mad scramble in the box once again saw a determined defence keep the boys out, the last 5mins was a succession of long throws and corners which didn’t quite break for us and the boys were gutted at the final whistle.

On reflection the boys did not deserve to lose, there is nothing to choose between these 2 excellent sides. The difference on the day was that they took their best chance and we hit the crossbar. That’s cup football !

If they continue to play like this the boys have every chance of winning the league.