With the threat of storm Bert hitting the UK this weekend all eyes were on the weather apps on Friday eve, desperately looking for one that gave a favourable outlook for Saturday morning. The decision to wait till the morning seemed to be a good one when we woke to just a slight breeze! Come kick off the breeze had stepped up a notch and the rain was starting to fall, but nothing was going to stop both our Eagles and their visitors Horsley Knights from going head to head at the Heath.
P1 - was an even start from both sides but it was the Knights who scored the first goal from distance, and there was nothing in the Eagles goal Tommy could do. Fortunately we weren’t behind for long with Rui continuing his rich vein of form in front of goal. Shortly after Leo caught the Knights defence napping and took a quick ‘kick in’ to himself before smashing it into the top corner from 20 yards, a wonder strike!
P2 - saw the introduction of debutant Sullivan who slotted straight into the midfield and looked like he had been playing there for ages! He was strong in the tackle and always looking to pass to a teammate and never stopped running. Alexander was also into the action for the first time and keen to get forward whenever possible. One such foray allowed him to shoot, which struck the hand of a Horsley defender, penalty! Max duly stepped up and rifled it past the keeper to give Eagles a 3-1 lead at the half.
P3 - with a small lead and still half the match to go the third period is often crucial and so it proved today. The weather had deteriorated quickly and players from both sides kept the spirits up with a few star jumps to keep warm as the second half got underway. Unfortunately the increasingly gusty wind was now in the Knights favour so it was important our boys closed them down and kept the ball on the floor. Alfred who was having a terrific match at the back even managed to defend blind when his beanie fell over his face, what a talent! Digby as ever was popping up all over the pitch making several breaks into the attacking half, and was rewarded with a goal. Leo too was a constant threat and completed his hat trick to give the Eagles a commanding lead going into the final period.
P4 - With the weather showing no sign of improving apart from the odd letup the boys were keen to work hard for the final ten minutes. Sullivan continued to battle, showing nice touches in miserable conditions. Max, who was feeling the cold was unlucky not to add to his earlier goal and Rui got his second of the game before Leo and Tommy combined well for Tommy to score with the last kick of the match.
Huge congratulations and well done to all the Eagles for playing so well in such terrible conditions. They worked as hard as last week and got the result their efforts deserved and a well earned hot chocolate in the warmth of the clubhouse after!
Eagle of the Week - Sullivan