Under 11's vs Sussex SFA

Match Report by George Short, U11s

Kent v Sussex
Venue: Herne Bay Football Club
Format: 4x 9v9 quarters

1st Quarter
When the match commenced Kent started below our normal standards.  We went behind early on when Sussex crossed the ball over our defence and the ball fell to their striker who casually and successfully lobbed over our keeper.  However, following this we ended the quarter strongly and a quality shot from us hit the crossbar.  Unfortunately, we failed to follow the ball in.  We went into the break one nil behind in an overall lack lustre performance.

2nd Quarter
Kent started well and passed the ball around much more quickly and with more energy.  The ball was switched across the pitch successfully to Freddie who then drove into the centre pitch and struck the ball just high enough into the goal that the Sussex keeper could not keep the ball out.  With a 1-1 score line, right at the end of the quarter, Sussex broke through our midfield and shot the ball into the bottom left corner of our goal. 

3rd Quarter
Kent’s performance continued to improve and impress in this quarter:  a fantastic delivery from the left wing into the box perfectly fell to Louis who headed the ball home.  2-2.  Moments later we agonisingly hit the cross bar again and Abdul made some crunching challenges which stopped Sussex from having any real threat of scoring.  We ended this quarter strongly, feeling confident and now on top.

4th Quarter
Both teams pushing for the winner, there were a number of offsides given against us.  Ben made some great runs and was certainly a threat but always denied by the linesman.  Neither team could find that way to score meaning the game finished 2-2 in a very tight encounter.

Overall, Kent’s performance was good in patches but we know it wasn’t our best against a capable Sussex side.

Afterwards we all enjoyed a lovely dinner of either chicken nuggets and chips or sausage and chips, although I clearly need to learn how to do my tie up properly after matches!