Boys' 1st XI v Loughborough GS

Date: Wednesday 20th January

Venue: Home. 2pm kick-off on The Square (if playable).

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

Result: Repton 4-0 Loughborough G.S.

Match Report:

It was great to get playing again after such a long lay-off!  After the first few minutes it was clear that Loughborough had brought a competitive side who were willing to scrap and compete for every ball. This was fantastic for us as we are looking to play tough games before our Boodles ISFA Semi Final at MGS. We actually started the game very well, moving the ball quickly and creating several early chances for the likes of Gorman and Chilaka. Understandably perhaps, our final ball was a little rusty and we were unable to score in the first half. Our defensive work was most pleasing. We applied ourselves impressively with Will Byas and Huw Rees-Jones having strong games in midfield. The defensive unit looked as impressive as ever and Neil Jones had little to do in goal.

The second half saw us continue to have the better of the match and when a wonderful run from Gorman ended in a foul the penalty was the only option. CHILAKA took the kick ,although the 'keeper dived to his right and got a good hand on the ball, it just crept over the line.  This settled us down a little and some good pressure brought a defensive error from Loughborough which allowed CHILAKA to pounce for his second. Loughborough continued to probe in and around our goal with their tricky striker giving Evans and Sanderson some problems. However, they remained giants in defence and never once let the opposition past. A third goal went in off a defender, which was most unfortunate. The best was most definitely saved until last as CHILAKA broke down the right, cut in and smashed his hat-trick.

A wonderful work out for us and great to see the players picking up exactly where we left off last term.  Ndu Chilaka looks in formidable form and, although Gorman may not be available until after half-term, we have shown that we still have the ability to create chances at will.