Report

Histon Hornets U10 White Vs Cottenham United U10 White

15/10/2011

Histon Recreation Ground

10.00am kick off

Despite an early frost, the sun had begun to shine as the Hornets and United took to the pitch.

Following an early exit from the cup the previous week, Histon were keen to improve their performance, but wary of Cottenhams good start to the season and the impressive tally of goals they had already netted.

United kicked off and immediately took the game to the Hornets. Some good passing and crosses into the Histon box causing problems from the off. Within the first minute Cottenham had a corner that was curled in but the danger passed as Jack Todd volleyed the ball up field.

However there was very little respite form the opposition forwards and two shots had to be parried away by keeper Marcus Thomassen. Unfortunately the second punch out was picked up by the Cottenham centre forward who deftly volleyed the ball into the net. 0:1 to Cottenham.

The Hornets tried to even the score with Morgan Overall working hard to move the ball about up field, but United’s big sweeper broke up the attacks and allowed Cottenham to quickly counter, which they did to great effect.

Play settled for a short period giving as Histon struggled to control the game until the Cottenham inside right pulled off his marker and let loose a strong cross shot which gave the keeper no chance. 0:2 Cottenham.

Not to be down hearted Histon pushed back and almost got their break as a quick move saw Jason Cutting-Davenport  pass his man only for the Cottenham keeper to palm away his shot and a certain goal.

For a short while the game evened out with Cottenham edging the Hornets in the number and quality of chances (clattering the Histon cross bar at one point) but shots from Patrick ‘Patch’ Roach and Joel Bentley missing their mark but showing that there was still opportunities to be had.

As with the previous goal where there appeared to be no danger the Cottenham centre forward launched a ferocious strike from left of field that no one could have expected to go in, but did. 0:3 to Cottenham.

Despite the Goals Histon started to show some movement. Some good link up play between Nima Kordany, new signing Aki Omoto and Joel Bentley deserved a reward, but the final strike went wide of the post.

As Histon moved further up the pitch Cottenham worked the counter attack keeping Jack and Patch on their toes. Despite their efforts they found themselves drawn in by the skilful forward line and a simple string of passes saw united push the ball passed the keepers outstretched hands. 0:4 to the visitors as half time was called.

Second half goal keeping duties were handed to Ben Bradford following his excellent performances in the last two games. He didn’t disappoint. From the kick off Cottenham retained possession and Ben was quickly forced into two quick saves and a rebound from the post, which he bravely smothered at he feet of the united centre forward.

Owen Abbott fell back to take on  a defensive role and his heading constant running and strong tackling thwarted Cottenham on several occasions. He even managed to encourage the other players forward with some good clearances opening up chances for the Histon forwards.

But Cottenham kept on coming, eventually breaking through Owens one man defensive cordon to coolly pass the ball by a stretched goal keeper.

To their credit Histon would not lay down with Fraser Clark determinedly chasing down seemingly lost causes and retaining possession to offer Dylan-Henry (DH) Jolley and Nima some options. Eventually it paid off and a pass through by Jason was clipped in at the near post by the Hornets goal machine Nima Kordany. 1:5 Cottenham.

But pickings were always going to be slim for the Hornets given the quality of Cottenhams play and despite another good save from Ben and some stoic defending by Owen, Cottenham twice found the back of the Histon net again in short succession. 1:7 to United.

The Hornets moved players about to try and gain some foothold and good solo runs from Nima and DH gave Cottenham something to worry about.

Cottenham however remained in control of the match and despite another 2 good saves by Ben Bradford playing a blinder in goal United scored their eight and final goal just short of the final whistle.

Whilst it was hard for the boys to be positive about the result, there were good individual performances by Ben Bradford, Fraser Clark and Owen Abbott. New boy Aki Omoto got involved in the game and improved outings for Jack Todd and Jason Cutting-Davenport. All the boys put in the effort, but knew that they will need to work harder in training on their defensive team work to compete with the top sides in the league.