Boys' 1st XI v Kimbolton, W5-1

Date:
Saturday 3rd September

Venue:
Home. 2.15pm kick-off on The Square.

Team:
Jones, Fearn, Golding, Evans, Lewis, Moxham, Sanderson, Graham, Duggan(C), Rees-Jones, Chilaka

Sub: Blackwood

Result:
Repton 5-1 Kimbolton


Match Report:
This match was played in extremely blustery conditions which made it very difficult for passing football to be played. Repton made a strong start and could have been ahead after 30 seconds when a centre from Chilaka was nearly met by Huw Rees-Jones in the middle. Kimbolton recovered well and took the lead after some sloppy defending saw the ball arrive at the feet of the striker. He produced a very composed finish to nestle the ball into the corner of the goal. Despite this setback we started to take control of both posession and territory and were soon level after some good interplay found Ndu CHILAKA just inside the area. He produced a wonderfully composed finish to pass the ball into the goal for 1-1. We continued to push as scored an excellent second goal as Luke DUGGAN drifted infield, made a little space and unleashed a superb strike into the top corner. At half-time the scoreline of 2-1 was probably a fair reflection.

The strong winds (which actually felled a tree just behind us!) continued in the second half. Kimbolton, who impressed me all afternoon with their work ethic and eagerness to do the right thing, continued to press us as best they could. It wasn't until the third goal that Repton felt totally safe with another wonderful run from CHILAKA resulting in a goal. A fourth soon followed; a sublime bit of skill from Sam GRAHAM who juggled the ball, clipped it over the 'keeper and headed it home. A fifth and final goal was added by the tireless REES-JONES was was put through on goal and finished with real confidence.

I think this is a game where both sides can take something from the result. We were the better side and eventually came through to win comfortably. However, Kimbolton (with their young side) battled extremely well and held the score at 2-1 for a significant period of the match. We have areas to work on (we always do), but this was a case of 'job done' in very testing conditions and I will have no problem at all if we can repeat the trick on Wednesday.