Report

Selsdon Juniors Versus West Wickham Tigers - 6th May 2012 Home 10am Kick Off

Despite the wettest April on record [what drought?] a pre-match inspection of the pitch saw the thumbs up being given for the last game of the season.  The weather not putting off a great turn out from both sets of supporters.

With James taking ownership of the captain’s armband Selsdon opted to kick off and save Reggie from an early mud bath! From the off, Selsdon strung a series of passing moves together with Ewan finding George who laid off to Josh to fire in a cross - Ewan prevented from a first shot on goal with a good tackle from the Wickham defence.

Selsdon continued to press forward creating several chances. West Wickham dug in and continued to clear their lines. One clearance saw Callum take one touch spreading a great pass out wide to Josh whose trademark weaving run into the penalty area found Ewan who squared to George to thump in – 1:0.

The goal prompted Wickham forward with their striker pulling out a great save from Reggie. Selsdon pressed on with Ewan taking on the Wickham defence and being brought down for a free kick – taken quickly to James whose low shot cannoned off the post.  Selsdon continued at pace with Bailey coming on and adding control to the central midfield by breaking down attacks and passing out wide.

A further Wickham attack developed with Reggie getting behind the shot and gathering well. From the goal kick Reggie found Henry F who played a superb long ball down the line to Josh with Wickham playing out for a corner. George and Josh stepping up to 1-2 with the Neel going close having stole in at the back post. The Wickham goal kick saw a lovely flick on with their striker free to shoot only to be foiled again by Reggie.

The second half started at breakneck speed with Selsdon pushing forward - Callum squaring to Josh, laying off to Reggie, finding George who whistled in a great in-swinging cross with Ewan, lurking at the back post, just being too short!

A further passing move created goal number 2, with James passing out to Josh, finding Reggie in space to square to Ewan who drew a great save from the Wickham keeper only for George to tap in - 2:0 Selsdon continued forward from the centre with Reggie hitting the line and driving in a cross to Ewan, controlling on his chest. and driving in to make it 3:0.

Wickham continued to try and catch Selsdon on the counterattack with James, Callum and Bailey standing firm.

Another passing move from Selsdon saw George hitting the left wing finding Ewan knocking on to Reggie whose shot brought another good save from the Wickham keeper; but Ewan was on hand to tap in to make it 4:0. Wickham continued to press and defend – they did not let their heads drop.

Reggie pressed on at pace weaving into Wickham’s half only to be brought down on the edge of the box. No point debating who was taking the free kick with Reggie stepping up and thumping home to make it 5:0.

Two more great passing moves saw out the end of the game with Bailey hitting a great long low pass to Henry F drawing a great save; and Bailey again 1-2 with Ewan and unselfishly laying off to Neel whose shot narrowly went wide.

The game was played at breathtaking speed and Wickham should take credit in some resilient defending and catching Selsdon on the break. In all, a great game to finish the season with Selsdon showing great passing and movement – to quote Roy “can we pass it” - "yes we can". Congratulations to Roy [and Rachel] and the boys for a great first season; and thanks to all the parents for their continued support and encouragement to the lads and opposition.

PS: Get well soon Henry A.

Report by Simon Worboys