Tonbridge Invicta Under 16's v Oakwood

THAT'S MORE LIKE IT !

TONBRIDGE INVICTA 1 OAKWOOD 0

05.01.03

While most South East teams were unable to play due to waterlogged pitches, we were fortunate enough to grab a full friendly against challenging opposition on the Edenbridge astroturf surface. This proved an excellent test and got us back into routine following the Christmas break.

Oakwood are a Crowborough A League side and were just the sort of opposition we were looking for. The pattern of the game never changed throughout. Both teams were well matched and coped with the eccentricities of the surface. It was a competitive match where neither side was able to dominate for long.

Both teams probed for the full 80 minutes in chess-like fashion. There were chances at each end but both goalkeepers and defences coped reasonably well. It looked as if we would all have to settle for a goalless draw.

Then in the last minute Ben Fitzer took a goalkick. Daniel Howse collected the ball and fed it into the channel for Daniel Powell. He did very well to battle for possession and showing great determination beat two defenders before drawing the keeper and slotting the ball home. We had scored with 10 seconds left on the clock. There was no coming back for Oakwood.

It was a little harsh on the Sussex side, but we had been rewarded for sticking to the task. Most pleasing of all was the fact that we were able to make three changes at half time, give everyone in the squad a game, and still maintain the good standard of team play. It was a very efficient squad effort. Paul Muddle was a revelation at left full back, but Aaron Medgett, now looking back to full fitness, was voted Man Of The Match for his excellent work in central defence.

Well played everyone. We must now carry this performance into forthcoming games.