Nov 24

Wheathampstead Sharks 1-1 Under 15 Sumatrans

2008 at 04.32 PM posted by Mick Barber

Early morning snow, followed by torrential rain threatened the first meeting of the seasons with Wheathampstead Sharks. An inspection deemed the pitch playable and so the Sumatrans lined up with Sam Rider in goal, Zack, Richard, Jack and Ben in defence with Robert, James L, Joe, Kyle and Calum in midfield, leaving James Brett as the lone striker.

The first few minutes showed no real pattern to the game as both sides probed the others’ defences, but first blood came to our hosts as a small gap appeared in the Sumatran defence allowing their striker to fire the ball high and just wide of keeper Sam. The Sumatrans fought back well, but Wheathampstead came close to a second as Sam managed to push a long lobbing shot to safety. The Sumatrans countered with James Brett playing the ball out wide to Calum who forced a good save from the Wheathampstead keeper. Changes in the first half saw Craig on for Calum and later, Craig replaced Kyle as Tyler took over on the right wing.

Sam Milne took over in goal at the start of the second half and Robert and James Brett swapped positions. With the central area of the pitch deteriorating, the Sumatrans – seeming to adapt the better of the two sides – started to dominate the play. The Sumatrans won a couple of corners and in the 55th minute, the Wheathampstead defence and keeper were unable to keep out a superb in swinging corner kick from Robert, to take the scores level. Another ambitious strike by Robert saw the ball fly over the crossbar from 25 yards out. Just moments before the final whistle, the hard working James Levy took the ball through the Wheathampstead defence, releasing the ball to Tyler. A powerful shot from the edge of the area forced a good save and kept the score at one apiece.

Despite worsening pitch conditions, this was a much better performance from the Sumatrans, who hopefully are getting back on track after a dip in form.

Well done to all the boys for a gritty performance in difficult conditions and especially the defence and to ‘man of the match’ Richard.

Mick