Boys' 1st XI v Charterhouse

Date:

Tuesday 17th November

Venue:

2.15pm Kick-off on The Square.

Team:

Jones, Fearn, Golding, Lewis, Sanderson, Moxham, Graham, Rees-Jones, Duggan (C), Chilaka, Byas

Subs: Woodhead, Mullen, Gorman

Result:

Repton 1-2 Charterhouse

Match Report:

This was a tight, yet ultimately fruitless, game for Repton who failed to match the heroics of the previous week. A scrappy start for both sides was broken when Luke DUGGAN thumped in his eighth of the season with a quick snapshot that surprised everyone, including the goalkeeper. We had a fine chance to double the lead soon after as Duggan crossed only to see the usually reliable Sam Graham find the 'keeper with his header. Despite the lead we weren't looking fluid and conceded a goal that can only be described as incredibly poor from our point of view. The skills were great from the scorer but a combination of not closing down followed by reckless diving into challenges saw him beat three players before finishing past the 'keeper. We came in all square at half-time.

A few changes for the second half saw us exert a little more control over the ball. However, all too often we launched the ball forward without care, despite looking a better side when we had the patience to hold the ball for a few more passes. We went behind after a corner which was not cleared ended in a goalmouth scramble and a prod home. Again, a scrappy goal from our point of view. We had the better of the final 20 minutes in terms of territory but our final ball was dreadful today as we managed to pick the wrong option time and again. This was in no small part down to the defensive doggedness of Charterhouse who were determined to hold onto what they had got. We did have our chance to level after Ndu Chilaka produced a wonderful piece of skill before being fouled in the area; a 'stonewall' penalty if ever there was one. However, the penalty was missed and the least said about that the better.

In the end I think Charterhouse deserved to shade a pretty tight game. The were slightly more 'up' for the battle, which I find disappointing. Yes, we are coming off the back of a tough week and yes, we were missing our defensive colossus Andy Evans but even so I felt that one or two individual standards slipped today. However, we move on; the season is far from finished and we are fortunate enough to have three huge matches coming up to make amends. 

For more photogrpahs from the match please click here