Boys' 1st XI v Bradfield, L2-0

Date:
Saturday 19th September

Venue:
Away, depart 9.20 am

Team:
Jones, Fearn, Chandler, Lewis, Evans, Moxham, Sanderson, Duggan(C), Graham, Woodhead, Chilaka, Mullen

Result:
Bradfield 2-0 Repton

Match Report:
Despite recording our first defeat of the season this was a pretty even game. Bradfield dominated the first 15 minutes, hiting the post early on and controlling much of the play. Despite their dominance that didn't fashion too many clear-cut chances largely down to the impressive defensive qualities of the team. As the half wore on the game became a little more even with Luke Duggan forcing the goalkeeper into a fine save and Dan Moxham flashing his shot just wide after some pinball in the box. We had managed to drag ourselves back into the match, but the first half belonged to Bradfield who were full-value for their lead after some superb work down the right resulted in a neat near post finish; a fine move.

We were simply a different side in the second half. We were on the front foot early and started to compete move effectively in midfield. We fashioned a great early chance that was put over by Sam Graham. The same player also fired at the goalkeeper when put through by Moxham. A super run by Steven Mullen saw him create a wonderful opening for himself, again only to find the 'keeper whilst Ndu Chilaka put a decent chance over the bar and fired another into the side netting. Bradfield did have their breaks, but we looked the more likely to score and a draw looked to be on the card. However, as so often happens, we were hit by a counter-punch as another good attack down the Bradfield right saw the first defensive mistake of the day to leave Bradfield an easy finish for an unlikely 2-0.

Overall, I'm pretty pleased with the performance, if not the result. Bradfield won the ISFA Sixes and are one of the stronger teams on the circuit this year. We were not at our best throughout certain periods of the match but certainly did enough in my view, and in the view of most spectators, to warrant something out of the game. We will probably play worse this season, stick away one chace and win! Scoring goals when you are on top is a vital aspect of winning football: Bradfield did that today and we didn't.