This was always going to be a pressure match for our U12’s. There was a quiet and humble belief that we could win this match, but the target is now a bigger one. The league title. It’s a long shot at this stage, with a requirement to win the last three remaining matches and to pull up the goal difference by an extra 24 goals. A tall order indeed. And so our boys took to the field, laden with hope and no doubt some butterflies.

 

From the off the match belonged to Sturminster. They played some very clever and skilful football and so maintained majority possession by some margin. The advances on the Poole defence came thick and fast, and soon led to the first Sturminster goal, taken impressively by Tom Upshall. The second followed soon after, Jordan this time placing the ball low into the corner, leaving the very competent Poole keeper with little hope of stopping the shot. Our boys kept this pressure up through the first half, but there were moments when the Poole lads held their cool and regained some control with impressive team play. Using combinations of passing and individual determination, Poole Wessex turned the pressure 180 degrees, requiring some quick thinking and positive action from both the midfield and defence in the Sturminster team. Again, Barney Sharp in goal was efficient in snatching the ball away and into safe hands given just half a chance.  Through all this action though, Sturminster led further attacks, and these efforts led to a handball in the Poole box. Jack is a very competent kicker and doesn’t really miss penalties, but he took a long time thinking about this one before powering it safely into the net. Great goal. Before the first half was out, Jordan got his second with this shot placed high into the corner. 4 nil at half time.

 

Poole Wessex stepped up in the second half, and seemed very determined to put on a good show. And so they did, with a most resilient defence that seemed impossible to break. Playing heavily in numbers around their box, they thwarted many of Sturminster’s efforts on goal. Shots at goal were seen to be pushed wide, hit the post, hit the bar or spectacularly saved by the keeper. Sturminster kept at it, only occasionally allowing Poole to break away and threaten attack. However the goals were not coming either way at this stage, at least until James took the tally to 5 for Sturminster. And so the game was played to the end, with a little frustration I suspect on both sides as maximum effort seemed not to bring the rewards strived for. The Poole boys left us all in admiration of their very clean and persistent efforts, especially the goalie and his ‘wretched brilliant saves’ Well done, we hope you all enjoyed your sausage and chips !

 

Goals today, Tom U (1), Jordan (2), Jack (1), James (1).  Man of the Match today was Jamie, who played an outstanding game. Throughout the match he was there, with strong and effective defending, and constantly feeding the ball through to the forwards. Well played Jamie !!

 

And so, another match won, and the GD up by 5. With 2nd place in the league now guaranteed, along with the promotion this brings, let’s hope our boys can relax a little and enjoy the last two matches of the season.

Well done.