Tonbridge Invicta Under 16's v Pembury Athletic

SUPERB TEAM EFFORT

PEMBURY ATHLETIC 2 TONBRIDGE INVICTA 3

18.05.03

Playing an Under 18 team in our last game of the season looked like being a tall order but we proved ourselves more than a match for the task! A number of players were playing in experimental positions and all came through the test very successfully, which bodes well for next season.

We set out our stall very early successfully closing Pembury down to win the ball and then using it well. In fact the first 30 minutes represented some of the best football of our season. Neil Wilson and Daniel Howse were dominant in the centre of midfield and from there we linked up well down the flanks to create a number of openings.

Having missed two easier chances earlier on, Daniel Powell broke through on 15 minutes, after some neat passing, and finished well with his left foot. We added a second some ten minutes later when a great move down the left was finished in style by Andrew Jarrett. His superb left foot strike giving the Pembury keeper no chance.

We probably took our foot off the gas at this point and for the last 10 minutes of the first half we allowed Pembury more space. We seemed to be coping with their pressure until a dubious free kick decision resulted in a goal back for the home side. A very well struck shot gave Ben Fitzer no chance. It remained 2-1 until the half time whistle.

Just after the restart we conceded again when a lack of concentration at the back allowed a Pembury forward time to shoot in our penalty area and he put the ball in the bottom left hand corner of our net. Allowing the opposition to draw level after our dominance in the first half was most frustrating. In some games previously we have panicked in such a situation and stopped playing, but not today.

Slowly but surely we got back our grip on this match, once again shutting out Pembury. With some good passing we started to create again and sure enough the winner came. Man of the Match Luke Saunders, who had a most impressive game out on the right of midfield, made another break down the wing. He sent in an excellent cross/shot which beat everyone including the Pembury keeper and flew into the top left hand corner.

From this point on we were rarely troubled and probably should have extended our lead, but we were ultimately content with a very efficient 3-2 victory.

This was a most pleasing way to end our season. The team spirit is now very good. As we hang up our boots for a while we can be confident that whatever League we play in next season we will prove most formidable opponents. WELL PLAYED EVERYONE!