1st XI v Codsall High School

Date:
Thursday 10th September

Venue:
Home. 3.15pm kick-off on The Square.

Team:
Jones, Fearn, Golding, Lewis, Sanderson, Moxham, Clarke-Dowson, Graham, Byas, Duggan(C), Chilaka.

Subs: Woodhead, Blackwood, Chandler

Result:
Repton 2-1 Codsall High School

Match Report:
A fantastic result against a very strong Codsall outfit. The Academy style structure at Codsall means that they brought a squad full of strong, athletic footballers which was perfect to give the Repton squad an early season workout. They started the stronger of the two teams, enjoying more possession and certainly having the better of the midfield. Despite their territorial dominance they struggled to fashion any clear-cut chances, mainly thanks to some superb defending by the Repton team. However, they were well on top and took the lead when a corner swung under the crossbar was met by 'keeper Neil Jones and a robust challenge from the striker. The ball dropped loose and was tapped home. Our attacking play was disjointed in the first half with little support for the front man and too many poor decisions made in promising positions. Our one chance did come when their 'keeper saved smartly from Will Byas just before the break.

A few small changes at half-time led to an impressive second half display. We drew level when Ndu CHILAKA cut in from the left to finish superbly with his right foot. Luke Duggan was coming into the game more and more and Will Byas was proving to be a strong running presence up front. In midfield Sam Graham started to get on the ball a little more whilst Dan Moxham and David Chandler(making his 1st XI debut in O Block) used the ball very well. Codsall were still a threat going forward and extremely hard to break down at the back but as the game wore on Repton began to look the more likely winners. And so it proved as CHILAKA latched onto a through ball, beat his man and lashed home the winner - a great strike.

This was a perfect game to have at this point of the season, and to win when coming from a goal down is a nice bonus. The side is developing nicely and starting to evolve into something that could cause a few problems on the circuit this year. My Man of the Match is tough today as I think there are a few contenders; Sanderson and Lewis at the heart of the defence were very solid and Greg Fearn on the right put in a tough and energetic performance. However, I'm going for Ndu Chilaka, not just for his two goals but for his all-round work ethic and team play. We go to the ISFA Sixes in good spirits.