With storm Bert long gone the Heath was blessed with dry and mild autumn weather, perfect for football. The U8 Eagles welcomed Horsley Titans to the Heath, keen to add to this seasons two victories against their Gladiators and Knights.
P1 - began with Eagles on the back foot with Horsley going close on numerous occasions inc one chance that flew across the area, narrowly missed by the visiting striker. Tommy did superbly in goal to shut the Titans out during the first period. Alfred, Digby and Max were made to work hard at the back and slowly Eagles began to get into the match. Leo was tenacious in midfield and won the ball on the left before firing in a shot that flew past their keeper to give us the lead, slightly against the run of play. Horsley were on the attack again but were thwarted by Leo who picked up the ball in his own half before skipping past several challenges. With only the keeper left to beat Leo shot with his weaker left foot and wheeled away in delight as his shot nestled in the far corner of the net, 2-0!
P2 - Despite the two goal lead the Titans were very much in this match and so the second period proved. Lady Luck was not on our side either as proved when Max unleashed a free kick from 20 yards, only to see it strike the post and roll along the goal line before being claimed by the keeper. All Eagles appealed to the referee that the ball had crossed the line but it was not be and Titans scored 4 goals without reply to lead 4-2 at the half.
P3 - Alfred returned to the centre of defence and Sullivan continued from his great debut last week. Leo returned to the fray and carried on where he left off. Felled in the area Leo picked himself up and calmly slotted home the resulting spot kick to complete his hat trick and reduce the Horsley lead to one, 4-5. Horsley were a well drilled side, who new their jobs and benefitted in a way from having no subs to disrupt their rhythm. They constantly put our defence under pressure which made it hard for the fullbacks to get control and pass the ball forward. The boys battled on and Leo took a quick ‘kickin’ near the corner flag and unleashed a shot that caught us all by surprise nestling in the back of the net 4-4, game on! The next goal was going to be crucial, whoever got it was going to be in a commanding position. Unfortunately, the Titans pressure continued and Alexander was caught out of position and they scored from the edge of the area to take a slender lead into the final period.
P4 - Max, Digby and Sullivan were under constant pressure at the back and struggling to link up with Tommy and Leo in the middle. Tommy was forced to drop back which left us no outlet upfront. Jack and Rui did their best to thwart the Titans when they came back, but it was the away side who scored again to give themselves a two goal cushion which they kept hold of till the final whistle.
Eagles battled really well today, never giving up or letting their heads drop and playing their part in a thrilling match.
Eagle of the Week - Leo.