A rollercoaster ride of a match which marked Central City’s baptism of fire in division 1 of the u12 league,the opening game of the new season and away against Cullompton Rangers,an established league 1 side that had finished runners up last season.
The opening 15 minutes were a delight to behold and,as the stopwatch showed that time,the (metophorical) scoreboard showed 0-3 in favour of the visitors.The facts are that City were one up within a minute thanks to Alfie W who,before 10 minutes,had further persisted on a determined run down the righthand side to cut back and send over a left foot cross which Tom controlled and despatched into the top righthand corner of the net.
As City pressed,a corner was whipped in low by Will P * which Dan was alert to and put in near post to the vocal appreciation of the well attended away section.
But you don’t finish second in division 1 of any league for nothing and despite the obvious disappointment the Rangers players must have been feeling, the side continued with the basics of their passing and strong team play and a quick move following an offside decision led to them pulling one back with 5 minutes of the half remaining.
As City held on,Dan received an accidental boot to the head after a brave defensive header and to great relief was able to shrug off the injury as the team jogged off to the halftime oranges.
The second half was all about resilience and belief.With Joe and Josh coming on as straight swaps for Ryan and Euan,the homeside were galvanised by their team talk and expectation.They quickly levelled the tie within 5 minutes of the restart and narrowly had a fourth goal ruled out as it had crossed the byeline.
City’s resolution could be summed up in the calm,measured defensive play of Charlie at right back and the never say die attitude of Dan shrugging off another wild tackle to complete the match and uphold the City spirit.It was no more than deserved when Cameron despatched the direct freekick through the sea of players with power in what proved the winning goal.That’s the type of initiative Arsenal lack**.
Despite continued Rangers pressure City rode the final storm and managed to breakaway a couple of times with a Joe effort and an off balance Alfie narrowly missing the target.
A sterling performance all round with parents Man of the Match being awarded to Cameron.
* Referees note.Will P was singled out for special mention for all round sporting behaviour,a pleasing personal quality and one which the Central City team as a whole uphold.
** Rapidly being corrected by Mr Wenger’s scout obviously.
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