At last! The rains and snow of recent months subsided and the EJA U15 team were able to take the field for the first time this season. But the keen bunch of parents, managers and various others supporting both teams were all still wrapped up warm against the biting cold. The boys were blessed with a pitch on which to display their skills which was as flat and as floodlit as The Emirates, but rather drier and with a little less grass.
EJA set up with a 4-4-2 formation and despite the boys never having played together before, were intent on trying to find a fast tempo, quick passing game, right from the kick-off. Both teams started as if their lives depended on it and the early exchanges were frantic. Within 5 minutes, EJA had already made a couple of attempts on goal through Reece Beckles-Richards and George Sykes, although CCL defended these efforts well. CCL were also looking lively, especially down the right hand side up against EJA’s Billy Fuller. Josh Bardouleau then went very close on two occasions after good work through midfield. EJA were certainly on top in the first 10 minutes.
Against the run of play, after a rather speculative punt upfield, CCL forced a corner, from which EJA scrambled clear the far post ball. A small scare, but no more than that. On 17 minutes, some great one-touch football down the left hand side by Ryan Blackman and then George Sykes forced another corner for EJA.
In summary - lots of busy endeavour from EJA early on, with some busy and sharp tackling by Ben Adams and Ashley Mulimba in the centre of midfield, but no success in front of goal to show for it.
After 20 minutes, CCL got their reward for gradually getting and keeping more possession of the football.
EJA fell behind to a well struck CCL shot from about 15 yards out, which beat Aaron Senior inside his left post. Not good for EJA. CCL then followed this up with a 30 yard effort, which thankfully whistled over the bar, and they then also forced a fantastic save by Aaron, pushed out for a corner via his right hand post. Andrew Stark replaced Reece Beckles-Richards. Luke Sanders at the back was urging his team to stay composed.
After 25 minutes, CCL again hit the post – this time with a shot from the edge of the area. At this point EJA were looking a little rattled and disjointed, were retaining possession for too long and hence giving the ball away too often. The EJA boys would have to dig deep if things were not to get away from them in this match.
And dig deep they did! Ben Adams then went on a mazy run through the middle of the CCL defence after 26
and was unlucky to be beaten to the ball by the outcoming keeper. Nick Roberts had gone across to right back and Mike Dunn came on at centre back to give Zach Hill a well earned rest.
After 28 minutes some great, pacy work by Andrew Stark to set up the tall George Sykes (Crouchy) saw the ball fizz agonisingly across the face of the goal without any reward. Mason Ellis replaced Ryan Blackman down the left after 34 minutes. EJA were certainly finishing the half more like they had started it, with the reorganised back line looking assured, and the midfield again looking sharp and dangerous.
EJA were 1-0 down at half time, as were AC Milan at Man United.
EJA U15 squad:
Aaron Senior
Zach Hill
Billy Fuller
Nick Roberts
Luke Sanders (Captain)
Ryan Blackman
Josh Bardouleau
Ben Adams
Ashley Mulimba
Reece Beckles-Richards
George Sykes
Mike Dunn
George Harrison
Mason Ellis
Andrew Stark
Bradley Niner
EJA U15 Management Team:
Glenn Wilkinson
Ian Fox
Steve Barnard
Referee:
Rob Trebes
Asst
Richard Coleman
Brian Best