Claygate Royals FC

Latest Match Report — 08/01/2012

 

Two match reports below:

8th Jan 2012

Swans 3, Waddon Wanderers 1

For this match, school entrance examinations impacted the squad and we could field only 8 players against a squad of 11 at the West End Rec.  However, with loyal supporters turning up even though their sons could not, the boys put in a terrific performance to win the three points.

It was a thoroughly deserved victory.  Although Waddon took the lead through a good strike from number 7, Swans had more of the possession and more chances.  There were in fact so many unconverted chances that for a period, it didn't look like it was going to go our way.

Andrew burst though early on but his final touch took it too near the keeper.  Joey played some fantastic through balls to Alex, including a wonderful reverse pass into the penalty area, but the shots weren't going in.  Waddon keeper made some good saves, and the woodwork did it's best to keep us out too.

Then Jimmy made a fantastic tackle to win the ball and passed to Alex.  Alex made a terrific run and reached the by-line with a cheeky step over before whipping in a cross that bounced off the keeper and over the line.  A touch of fortune but well earned by Alex's run nevertheless.  1-1.

In the second half, it was like the Alamo as the shots rained down on the Waddon goal, including a wonderful free-kick off the bar, and a well-saved penalty, both from Joey after Billy was fouled.  But near the end, Joey rifled a fierce drive into the roof of the net from edge of the penalty area and Alex made it 3-1, latching on to Joey's pass.

All 8 boys played worked very hard and played great football, from Sam Mace in goal, to Jimmy, and Andrew in defence, Billy, Felix, Joey in midfield and Alex upfront.  The very deserving Player of the Match, was Jamie who was here, there, and pretty much everywhere - no one was getting past Jamie!

15th Jan 2012

...and then the hangover.

Swans 2, Hampton Youth 3.

I missed the first half, but understand we did not play our best football, but were nevertheless  leading 1-0, thanks to a goal from Lewis during an even half.

In the second half, we certainly had the advantage in territory and chances, but Hampton defended very solidly, and took their chances very well on the break.  They equalised a few minutes into the half with a terrific strike before adding a second from a through ball.  However, Swans fought back after Andrew's nicely weighted pass reached Alex, whose shot was initially saved by the keeper, but hit in by Alex on the rebound -  a determined effort from our prolific goal-scorer. 

I really thought we would then go on and win the game, but Hampton stuck at it.  They got first to the ball from our goal kick and pressured our defence into errors that ultimately led to a low strike into the corner for 3-2.

Swans pushed for the equaliser, and Player of the Match, Billy Taylor in particular worked his socks off for an equaliser, but it wouldn't come.

So a disappointing defeat, but the team can certainly play better, and will no doubt looking to do that in their next match - a challenging away fixture at league leaders, Kew Association Youth.

Come on Swans!

Fixtures

Results