WOODNESBOROUGH V ASHFORD UNITED U11

March 18, 2024

An extended period of weather postponements had meant the United U11 squad hadn’t played for over a month and so with a drier week last week, the team were delighted to be on the road again to play Woodnesborough in Sandwich on Sunday as they resumed their 23/24 EKYL Div A campaign with 5 games remaining. The teams had met earlier in the season during the EKYL cup, played across the 3 divisions in the league. Both teams continue to take part in the EKYL/FA ‘No heading trial’.

The ‘Gazen Salts’ pitch at Sandwich looked to have held up well in recent weeks and United captain Will D lead a squad of 12 for the match.

United started with a composure and maturity on the ball that despite the recent breaks, showed their progression this season. Clean passing and movement in all directions showed a real confidence. Early through balls and careful positioning gave the Nuts & Bolts opportunities to challenge strongly into Woodnesborough’s box on several occasions and at the break United would be pleased with their performance.

After the break, the clarity and simplicity of United’s earlier game began to become scrappier and the clean, simple balls made way for more complex play that ultimately gave Woodnesborough great opportunities to threaten deeper into United’s half. Strong battles on the ball were common and United held their ground but local support sensed a momentum change and with a penalty awarded to Woodnesborough mid-way through the second half, United needed to regroup and regain composure.

With less than 10 minutes remaining, and changes to the field with 2 upfront, United captured more of the field and set pieces towards the home sides goal resulted as did opportunities to repeatedly test their keeper up to the final whistle.

A great game to get back to match readiness, with a resilience and composure for United on the whole. Periods of scrappy play and the opposition threat resulted demonstrated the need to stay focused throughout a game and maintain the structure that was the standout feature of the first half.

The Clarus Homes sponsored squad welcome Margate next week to Wye Jnrs field, our ‘Home away from Homelands’, for the return leg after the team’s first met in the league in November.

Captain: Will D
Parents man of the match: Josh