27 Apr 2008 - RESULT - u13s held at home

Thames Gateway  2-2  Essex Royals

An entertaining game at Lakeside against our old friends Essex Royals ended with honours even. 

Man of the match Cole finished an excellent passing move involving Dibble, Williams and Berry and the move was matched with a quality finish.  Shortly after, O’Connell’s free kick was turned around the far post.  O’Connell went close with two shots from distance while Dibble, Berry and Williams tormented the Royals defence.  Chapman, Webster and Bodimeade were in superb form at the back and when he was called upon Hill made a crucial save diving low to his right to deny the Royals.  It was disappointing then when the defence and midfield were caught napping and a Royals free kick was taken off the Royals striker’s boot by Bodimeade, as he was pulling the trigger.  The resulting corner was cleared but a fluked hit and hope eluded Hill and went high into the net.

1-1 at half time and no lead despite our first half domination but this was to be a game of two halves and Royals began to put our defence under more sustained pressure.  The defence and midfield dug in and weathered the Royals attacks, Hill made a fine save tipping the ball onto the bar to deny Royals a lead. However, we are strong on the counter and a move down the left and great work from Webster and a superb ball from Wells which split the Royals defence, put in Cole again and he scored his second of the game 2-1.

With five minutes to go Royals attacked and Chapman mistimed a tackle just inside the penalty area.  The Ref felt the tackle warranted a red card and Chapman became our first player ever to be sent off, in 5 seasons of football.  We felt the decision to send Chapman off was very harsh.  Hill was inches away from saving the penalty but Royals made it 2-2 from the spot.

In the final minutes Cole beat the Royals defence and ran down on goal but the ball bobbled and his shot went over.

2-2 was a fair result – Royals had one shot that may have crossed the line after hitting the bar, bouncing and coming out but they had no complaints after the game.  It was great to see all the players from both sides congratulate each other after the game; both sides had battled well and given everything in what was a fantastic game.

This result means we need one more point to finish runners up unless other results go our way today and Paul and Steve praised the players for their effort not just today but throughout the season.

Well done lads – great performance!