Report

On a very hot and sunny morning we made the long journey to Wooburn Park to play our last League game of the year against Bourne End.

As per usual the normal week-long school banter had turned this into a mild-mannered grudge match, with the winners gaining bragging rights for the rest of the year. Selection had been tricky, with Eddie and Fraser on cricket duty and Stuart still nursing a poorly pinky.. 

So it was Ben lined up in goal, with Ciaran, Richard, Billy (with new haircut) and Eddie (back from cricket) as the back four. Across the midfield we went with Theo, Fabrice, Rohan and Owen. Will and Dennis upfront.

Early on, as you can imaging possession was key, making the opposition do the running. We'd locked down defence, midfield was the area we needed more effort. We seemed second to most balls with the home side making every second phase ball. It seemed they wanted it slightly more...

Once we started to play, our passing game was causing them some concern. Will and Owen combined well with Rohan to offer a few chances, but nothing really cutting. Our best two chances of the half came from wide wing-play and great crosses, with either Dennis or Theo inches from converting.

At half time Mason and Fraser were introduced down the right, with Dennis and Ciaran taking a well earned rest. Again we pressed high, but could not find that killer finish. It seemed that a set play might be the answer with Eddie floating in some lovely corners, but resolute defending kept us out.

With 10mins to play it all changed. Mason worked an opening for Fabrice to stroll into, and he delivered a great cross for Theo to lash towards goal. The net bulged but this was from a defender clearing off the line well. The ball squirmed it's way to Mason who unleashed a shot high into the top corner, giving nobody a chance to clear. 1-0

The home side now seemed to be out of ideas, apart from the odd long ball which Richard and Billy cleared up well. Fraser has a good half stopping their maain man down their left. In all a good even game to finish our season off, in really hard playing conditions.

Man of the Match went to Will, for playing the team-game and looking more dangerous then usual by doing so. No goal for him today, but better all round play.

Bring on the tournaments.....