BHFC U14 3-2 BARKING FC U14
Well they say pre-season fixtures in August are the Desert for Summer…..but really!! Torrential rain, wind and a visit from the latter end of a Hurricane from across the pond. Sun tan cream was exchanged for brollies and wet jackets as Hill got underway with a tough friendly. As usual for this time of year our affluent parents enjoy a holiday or two so getting a full squad together is a bit difficult. But we paraded 10 of our squad and were ably supplemented by Jethwa and Groom from the Blue Echo D team and Aidan from the Echo Prem team. All 3 were a credit to their teams and showed what strength in depth we have at our Club.
So to the game and as per the norm Coach Johnson had the boys ready and firing from the start. Hill took immediate control and pressed Barking deep into their own half. Last season’s Managers Player Harris immediately took control carrying the ball deep into Barking’s half and playing in Aiden wide right who with an elegant burst of pace made the touchline and pulled back to Harris who dummied (benefit of the doubt) to allow the ball to reach Swan unmarked in the six yard box who netted with power. 2 minutes 1-0.
Hill buoyant with the early goal controlled the next 10 minutes completely and at this early stage there appeared only one winner and by how many. So much pressure was applied that if a sky possession stat was available 80% would not have flattered. Barking defended well and with commitment but that sort of pressure and possession pays dividends eventually and when Grace forced the Centre Back to commit a risky cross field pass Aiden intercepted and broke with extreme pace away and into the corner of the box and finished with power and precision into the far corner. 20 minutes 2-0.
Barking were rocked but were not beaten and started to gain more composure and with it time on the ball. The hardworking midfield quartet of Hill retained the possession so Barking were forced to go long and with their pacey forward pairing it was not a bad shout. However Hill’s defence marshalled the pace and extreme conditions. Outstanding at the back was Jessop who looked to have spent the summer in a “Grow Bag”. It looks like a good season coming for him. Ably supported by his partners Harrison and Jethwa (who has learnt how to head a ball now he is nearly six foot) Hill looked solid. 35 minutes Half Time.
Manager Barrett working on different formations elected to succumb at Half Time to his “Tinkerman” tendancies and tried a change to 3-5-2. The pre-match board had been used and explained and at 2-0 who wouldv’e worried…..However yet again the EJA teams show why they play in this league and seizing the early initiative Barking started the half pressing Hill back as they had received in the first half. Space had appeared in the full back area and the left midfield took the opportunity to have an extra touch and pick a superb curling effort from 25 yards into the top right corner. 37 minutes 2-1.
How we love this game. From being outclassed in the first half and lacking possession the confidence flowed through Barking and Hill found themselves struggling to retain a foothold in the game. Barking now did to Hill what had been done to them and the rewards were very, very similar. Caught in possession Hill relinquished the ball on the halfway line allowing the forward to collect and start a run at and past 3 defenders and slam the ball home. 45 minutes 2-2, heavy rain and game on.
Old qualities are not lost that easy. Tinkerman made a couple of changes (refused the temptation to revert to usual formation) and slowly but surely Hill pulled back into the game and began to push back. Brookes and Barrett H playing as wing backs saw more and more of the ball and Barking began to flag leading to some desperate challenges around the box. The Ref dod not have his vanishing paint to hold the wall back and a couple of efforts were blocked to the frustration of Brookes.
Basi playing in an unfamiliar role at the front (memories of a seven goal haul from 2 years ago) found some space and was stopped in his tracks. Captain Johnson who had an inspiring game throughout stood over the ball….however a quick conversation with Groom saw him step aside. Groom took aim, approached an bang….hit the wall!!
The Ref (Mr Cuthbert who had a superb game) decided enough was enough and awarded the kick again and sprayed an imaginary line and used some authorative words. 10 yards was paced and held. Groom then decided he was smarter than the wall who were so intent on blocking left a gap nearside and he drilled home. 50 minutes 3-2.
Barking deflated but not beaten tried for one last push switching to a 3-4-3 and it almost paid off when a flowing move allowed the left foot of the centre midfield to connect on the edge of the box. It moved and span but Barrett S got a great hand to it and turned over the bar. The game played out with some tired legs all round and the score finished 3-2.
An enjoyable and competitive friendly played in an excellent spirit both teams expectations for the season should be good.
Next week Hill entertain a touring USA team Seattle Utd with a 2pm ko. They are an academy set up sponsored by West Ham Utd In America (WHUIA) and makes for an interesting and exciting encounter.