The Dover Takedown
A short edition this week, with only one report for our Under 15s.
BARHAM YOUTH U15 - 4 | DOVER RANGERS COLTS U15 - 3
Tony’s match report for the final game of the season.
It’s coming home; It’s coming home, Footballs coming home!
Hands up if you thought at 1-3 down, we weren’t going to do it? Oh, ye of little faith! Statistically, we are at our most dangerous when we go behind. All I asked was that they go out and enjoy the game and give everything they had.
They did that and more! What a fantastic performance. Due to missing and partially injured players, the balance of our side was compromised; these meant players were in unfamiliar roles. In the first half, we definitely struggled to get any rhythm in our play. Having said that, Caspar Barton-Hodges popped up to grab an early lead.
Unfortunately, Dover exploited the long ball over the top to some effect, catching us out on three occasions before half time giving Dover a 1-3 lead.
The half-time chat was about changing things around to take it to the opposition. Pushing Caspar out wide to the right and “stand-in” captain Theo Bawtree out wide on the left with Josh Julian in the middle.
This had an immediate effect, with Barham pressing hard, culminating in a free kick. Up stepped Big Max, the rebound came to the silky centre back Curtiss to slide it home. This pumped up the team, and the momentum was with The Bears. Using the wide channels was working, and the chances were coming. Big Max smashed the bar, Theo came close and finally, Josh collected two beauties to take us into a 4-3 lead with 12 minutes to go.
The team played out the remaining time like professionals. When the referee blew the whistle, my only thought was how much this fantastic team deserved this result.
To every player that has played for the Bears this season, THANK YOU!
I have never had the privilege of working with such a fabulous bunch of footballers. Their commitment, energy and dedication have been unbending.
Behind the scenes, we have all worked tirelessly to improve conditions, massive thanks to the ongoing pitch maintenance work carried out by Simon King and Michael Davies.
I sincerely thank Ross for his brilliant linesman work all season, Nina for her diligence in organising our matches, Kevin for helping me in the technical area and all the supporters who have followed the team all season. Last, be not least, I would like to thank our sponsors for backing the team and our committee for all of their hard work and dedication over the season.
We now begin work on preparing for the new season as the boys move up to the competitive Under 16 age group and the possibility of the move to the 1st division. We are on the lookout for more players for the team, so if you know of any boys or girls interested in joining the Barham U16s, please let me know.
Tony Julian
Manager.