Intro - Eagles made the relatively short trip to Horsell on the outskirts of Woking to face the Martians in our penultimate match of the season. The Martians have had a impressive season by all accounts and were undefeated, a fact they were keen to point out! Unfortunately Albury were without two of their inform players in Max and Christopher. However, nine brave Eagles arrived in Horsell ready to give it their best shot!

P1 - began well with Leo and Digby holding their own in midfield against some very talented and physical Martians. Alexander began in goal and made some fine saves to deny the home side. Defenders Ashton and Tommy had their work cut out keeping the Martians at bay, but did so bravely, Ashton making some well timed challenges and showing great progress from the boy who began the season. Jack offered an outlet upfront with his cheeky drag backs and change of direction but was closed down before he could get a shot off. Then a break from midfield saw Digby race through the middle and fire a shot towards goal which beat the keeper and to our surprise the Eagles were a goal up! Digby’s celebration was a classic, racing the full length of the field before doing a knee slide! Fortunately the overnight rain helped him execute the move perfectly, well almost!
P2 - Amazingly the second period saw no goals but plenty of action and endeavour. Going behind was obviously unfamiliar territory for the home side. The Martians focused much of their energies on our playmaker Leo who suffered countless kicks, knocks and late challenges as he and Digby continued to battle hard in the midfield. Unfortunately Leo was reduced to tears on two occasions and was happy to sit out the third period which was totally out of character. Alfred together with Peter protected Alexander in goal superbly particularly during a spell of about 6 corners for the home side, which amounted to nothing. Rui joined the fray in P2 and made several bursting runs from midfield but was caught before he could get his shot away.
P3 - saw the introduction of Tommy in goal who announced his return with a fine acrobatic save to deny a long range Martian effort. The boys had done amazingly but the hosts unrelenting pressure was soon to pay off and it did 1-1. Digby was looking a little battle scared and often swarmed by Martians whenever he got the ball. Ashton and Alfred were battling hard at the back but struggling under the constant pressure. Then another corner for the home side and a well worked move, which saw a well delivered cross met by a thundering header any adult would have been proud of! Great effort but surely an Eagle free kick at this age group! The referee signalled goal and the home side celebrated. The referee waved away our protest as coach and referee declared they had been “allowing headers all season”!
P4 - Leo returned to the fray keen to help his team and assist Digby who was looking a little tired (although not surprising on such a large pitch!). Alfred continued at the back to protect Tommy in goal and his team with well timed clearances. Then with a bouncing ball at his feet, Leo on the right from about 20 yards out tried his luck. The ball flew goal wards, over the keeper and into the top left corner, a wonder goal to level the scores for the birthday boy! Then with only a minute remaining Digby’s shot toward goal was handled by the defender, penalty! The referee pointed to the spot! Unfortunately the Martians keeper pulled off a decent save, not that it bothered him or any of the Albury team. The moral victory was ours and as the boys shook hands with their opponents and cried three cheers I couldn’t have been prouder of their efforts and spirit in adversity. Well done boys, each and everyone of you. Football is fun and should always be so which is why we all love Albury.
Eagle of the Week - The Team