WITTERSHAM FC V ASHFORD UNITED U11

April 9, 2024

United travelled to Wittersham on Sunday to play a rescheduled Division A East Kent Youth League match, postponed after recent wet weather. The teams had met previously in a friendly and in a recent cup game that went to penalties, but this was the first time the sides had met in a league format after Wittersham progressed up from Division B in the Christmas promotions/relegations. Both teams continue to take part in the EKYL/FA ‘No heading trial’.

The Poplar Road pitch looked to have held up well in recent weeks with only sticky patches on the downhill areas of the field. United captain Will D lead a squad of 12 for the match.

United began playing with the strong wind but up the broad slope and for much of the opening 20 minutes the sides had little to separate them. Ashford looked a little slow to react to moments of opportunity and Wittersham’s central long balls also fell flat with United’s strong defensive unit making light work of parrying them away. With a shift in formation The Nuts & Bolts began to attack more sharply and as the half drew to a close, opportunities on goal became more regular.

At the break, there was little to separate the sides and United knew that recent results against Wittersham meant that even more positivity and sharpness throughout would be required in the second half.

Into the second 30 and United began with far more potency on the ball and excellent set piece work from corners. The extra commitment to urgency, pace in chasing and a belief in doing the simple things well, gave the visitors more opportunities deep in the Wittersham half. The home side made several formation changes and long balls, flipped through the midfield, always looked threatening on the counter but the line official’s flag and some composed defending by United ensured forward opportunities on goal were limited for the home side.

A particularly pleasing second half to watch with good performances right across the field. The Clarus Homes sponsored squad will be looking to take that learning into their last home game of the season next week as they welcome Kennington to Homelands.

Captain: Will D
Parents man of the match: Dan
www.clarushomes.co.uk