Under 12's vs Sussex SFA

Sussex 1 Kent U12s 1

Sussex won the toss and declared to kick the game off. In the first half of the game, Sussex started strong and pushed us onto the back foot, but once we managed to play around them, we began to put the pressure on. Ben Stables, Kent's rapid striker, was through on goal when he was fouled from behind and correctly awarded the penalty. Ben stepped u and casually slotted the ball into the bottom left corner, sending their keeper the opposite way. Sussex responded well with some chances forcing Kent keeper Harry Goedhart to make a great double save. Sussex managed to get a cross that missed everyone, but it fell to a Sussex player who, from outside the box, struck the ball precisely in the bottom corner past Henry.

1-1 at half-time.

After the break it continued to be a very close game and both sides had a lot of chances to score, including Ben hitting a volley in the top corner only to be denied by a brilliant save from the Sussex keeper. From a Kent corner, winger Rhys Stone crossed the ball in and midfielder Dexter Stammers managed to win the header that made its way to myself. However I unfortunately volleyed the ball over the bar. The Sussex keeper booted the ball long and it went over our defence but bravely Kent keeper Jack Wright was there to stop their striker from scoring.

Overall, the game finished 1-1 in a very close encounter between two good sides. I believe both teams came off the pitch feeling happy overall with this tight encounter. We have played this adept Sussex team 3 times now and we have won once and drawn twice. 

Report by George Short