Ascot  0    (2)  v  (4)   0  Parsonage

Under 9’s Echo Cup Match

Played Sun 20 November 2005

Parsonage very nearly paid the price in the first 2 minutes, for fielding all players in new positions as Ascot came close twice.  Parsonage were at 6’s and 7’s as players struggled to adapt to unfamiliar positions as Ascot went close to scoring in the opening minute.  Seconds later a mix up in the Parsonage defence saw a new Parsonage defender and the goalkeeper both leave the ball for each other, to the delight of a baying Ascot player, with Connor kain in the Parsonage goal making amends with a last ditch intervention.

Parsonage rallied thereafter, and gradually found their feet.  Boys were struggling with the new positions they found themselves in but were working hard and showing great determination, which had been missing of late.  A few shots were hit wide by both teams as the game descended into a scrap in the middle of the pitch.  Parsonage were denied a blatant penalty 5 minutes before half time when an Ascot player clearly moved towards a bouncing ball and patted it to the floor.  A penalty as clear cut as you will ever see, but was not acknowledged by the referee.   0.0 half time.

The second half saw Ascot start off very brightly and for the first 5 minutes take the game once again to Parsonage.  Parsonage like in the first half took time to settle and after a couple of efforts on the Parsonage goal, had a few shots themselves on the Ascot goal.  With about 7 minutes left I decided to play the boys in their normal positions and only then did Parsonage finally start to stamp their authority on the game.  Not many clear cut chances but now Parsonage were well on top as Ascot reverted to keeping there players back and kicking long balls up field to the lively Reece up front who was a handful all match with his excellent hold up play and pace.  Parsonage had many corners but some last ditch defending and some goal mouth scrambles which were eventually cleared by Ascot resulted in the match going to penalties. 

Ascot went first and scored.  Parsonage then made it 1.1.  The Con Man brilliantly saved the next penalty and then calmly slotted in a side footed penalty himself to put Parsonage 2.1 up.  Ascot then hit a post with there next penalty, Parsonage scored again to make it 3.1.  Ascot then scored the next one and Callum O’Sullivan hit the roof of the net to put Parsonage through 4.2 on penalties.     

Today’s plan to swap field positions never worked.  We almost made the price early on in each half, but seemed to get stronger as each half wore on and kids adapted to their new roles.  I cannot fault the commitment I got from my players today but we still never played like we can.  The game itself was very even with neither team really doing enough to justify winning the match.  Both teams tried to pass the ball but as this game was the 5^th game to be played on this pitch, it was well cut up and not suited to a passing game.  Ascot were not overwhelmed by playing a team from a league above and proved to be a team that is hard to beat.  We all wish them the best of luck for the rest of the season.

Paul

Parsonage Team

Kain, Bearman, Cope, Mallett, Morris, Grigg,

O'Sullivan, Ragon, Lawrence.