U8 Horsley Titans v Albury Eagles
After last weeks freezing weather and the festivities of Xmas and new year Eagles played their first match in over a month and were excited to be back to match action. We made the short trip to local rivals Horsley Titans who narrowly edged our recent contest at the Heath, so the boys were keen to turn the tables!
P1 - began brightly with both sides showing good passages of play and going close but neither side able to open the scoring. Tommy in goal kept the home side at bay with several flying saves and Alfred kept the defence in order, even getting away with a header to thwart the Titans. Sullivan and Digby provided good outlets at the back but were quickly under pressure from the Horsley players who closed us down very quickly which made it hard for us to conjure any decent attack. Fortunately however the deadlock was broken when Max’s shot crept in and over the line. Eagles in front 1-0.
P2 - saw the introduction of Rui, Jack and Alexander who carried on with the good work laid down in the first period. The aim of denying Horsley space and delaying their forward movement meant we all had to work together as one to get behind the ball when we didn’t have it. Max continued to battle well all over the pitch and along with Digby cleared our lines from some tough Horsley corners. Titans pressure was rewarded with a goal and both sides went in at the half level 1-1.
P3 - Our captain Sullivan returned for the third period along with Alfred and Leo. Sullivan was dependable as ever at full back but was everywhere in defence and always there to stop the Titans advances. Leo was a menace in the midfield desperate to win the ball back and get us back in the lead. Early on in the period Digby took a knock to the foot and was replaced by Max who went close, before Rui pounced on a loose ball in the box to restore our narrow lead, 2-1. Unfortunately the lead was short-lived and Alexander could do nothing as Horsley levelled again 2-2.
P4 - saw Digby return at right full back hoping to use his pace down one flank with Tommy’s fresh legs racing down the left. This at times left us exposed in the central areas but Jack and Leo were still able to create dangerous attacks when we had the ball. Horsley however, were relentless, never letting us settle and even using two players to halt Leo who was growing more and more frustrated. Titans grabbed a third to edge ahead which meant the next goal would be crucial with only minutes remaining. Eagles heads didn’t drop and they battled on knowing one chance could get them back in the game. A bouncing ball came to Leo about 20 yard out from goal and he tried his luck, only to then see his shot strike the bar, so close! Albury continued to battle hard looking for the equaliser but the final goal went to the Titans who edged another close contest between these two well matched sides. A thoroughly entertaining game played in good spirits and with great effort from the first whistle to the last. Well done Eagles for playing so well and never giving up, I’m so proud of you all.
Eagle of the Week - Max