Claygate Royals FC

     The final game for the season was a friendly arranged against one of the SYL's best teams. With several academy level players this was always going to be a tough game, and on a bouncy rock hard pitch the match lived up to its expectations and was a thrilling encounter.

 

     Isleworth were ahead within a couple of minutes and the signs were ominous as the quality of the goal was impressive - a drop of the shoulder was enough to slice through the Claygate defence like the proverbial hot butter knife and the ball was slotted home past Claygate's keeper with a deft clip of the outside of the right foot. However, Claygate got right back into it within moments of the restart, Laurence's strike falling to Tom who made no mistake with a fine finish from close range. The game was flowing from end to end, and the quality of Isleworth was shining, with two players in particular outstanding as they worked the wings with style. Isleworth were gradually gaining control of the match, and putting in some excellent crosses from the right, though these were well intercepted and cut out with consummate ease by Claygate's keeper. Halfway through the first half and it was 3-1 to the hosts, with similar composed finishes as the first goal. Claygate were not done though, and showed the resilience that they have shown all season, getting back into the game through an excellent strike by Laurence. Claygate created several chances, and were battling well in midfield, Sam Irving the pick of the bunch - on one occasion winning the ball in the middle before advancing forward past several players but showing reluctance to shoot when the opportunity was clearly presented. With the first half drawing to a close the scores were level, the ball falling to Jake in the box, who controlled the ball well and finished with style into the corner of the net.

 

     Into the second half and play was a little subdued for a while as both teams struggled to take control or create many openings. Claygate took the lead as Jake pounced again after the keeper had spilled the ball. Good saves at both ends of the pitch kept the score the same, but after Isleworth introduced their super-subs a goal seemed inevitable. Isleworth were now creating chances as they went in search of the equaliser and it came with a modicum of controversy, Claygate's keeper clearly with both hands on the ball before it was nicked from his grasp. The game looked like it would end in a well deserved draw, but Isleworth had the last say, excellent work down the right wing and a ball crossed through the corridor of uncertainty caught the Claygate defence sleeping as three Isleworth players lined up to take a turn with the finish.Claygate went in search of an equaliser but it was not to be, and indeed should have done better, with Laurence lacking a little composure in front of goal and at the death Jake was guilty of missing two open goals from close range when it seemed easier to score.

 

     An enthralling and top quality encounter that could have gone either way, and it was great to see football played at such a high level. Isleworth are an excellent side, physical and strong, and with players of high ability whose deft touches and skill were often the undoing of a resolute Claygate defence led as ever by the rock that is Sam Fenton. A draw would have been a fair result, and at the end of the day the scoreline reflects the difference between the two teams - only marginal with one team showing better composure in front of goal.