SOUTH-EAST COUNTIES YOUTH CHAMPIONSHIP
BEDFORDSHIRE FA U18 v AMATEUR FA U18
SUNDAY 28^th NOVEMBER 2021
KEMPSTON ROVERS FC KO 14.00
RESULT 7 – 0

The game was played on a firm grass pitch and weather conditions were sunny and bright but extremely cold, which got colder as the sun waned. Kempston Rovers were very good hosts and we are grateful for their and Bedfordshire FA welcome and their post-match hospitality.

The side was selected from AFA clubs from diverse parts of London, and we greatly appreciate the response from players in making this trip and from their parents and club managers in supporting the team. There was also good support from Council members that was appreciated by Bedfordshire.

The team lost 4 players in advance of the match and had not had the benefit of training in advance of the fixture, unlike our opponents, and this was clearly demonstrated as we fell a goal behind after 90 seconds.

For large parts of the first half we competed well but could not take any of the few chances we created and fell further behind after 19 and 32 minutes, despite some good saves, including a penalty, by our keeper, Joe Ross, the surging runs of left back, Raheem Fernandes and hard work and skills in midfield of skipper Joe Tutty.

The Bedfordshire side were clearly well drilled and had been together for a while and this clearly showed as the second half progressed. Although we had our moments, with substitute, Daniel Muela, prominent down the left, fatigue took its toll and further goals after 61, 70, 77 and 89 resulted. Two of these were from penalties after mistimed tackles.

Despite the heavy defeat the effort and spirit of the AFA side was a constant and it is expected that the experience, together with the return of unavailable players will lead to an improved performance in the next game on 13^th February. All the 15 squad members played at least 45 minutes and great praise is due to our manager, Pat Folan for putting the team together without the benefit of trials.

TEAM

Joe Ross Old Ignatians

Matt Airey West Wickham

Raheem Fernandes Norsemen

Joe Tutty Nottsborough

Makai Wilson-Braithwaite Norsemen

Aidan Casey Norsemen

Ollie Smyth West Wickham

Jack Waller Norsemen

Alasdair Wise Dorkinians

Blake Loyza Glass Dorkinians

Lee Reynolds Old Finchleians

SUBSTITUTES

Marco Cavadeschi Norsemen

Lamar Ellis Norsemen

Abdul Ghani-Khaldoun Old Parmiterians

Daniel Muela Old Parmiterians

MANAGERS

Pat Folan

Alan Bayram

Russell Roach

FIRST AID

Carys Jones