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On a very wet Sunday morning, Carshalton U11s did what they have been threatening to do all season.  Whyteleafe of the top division of the Tandridge League are a more than capable side, but came up against a Carshalton outfit keen to make amends for recent below par displays and out to prove a point to the management and spectators.  Every boy was up for it this week. 

I won't go through the goals in great detail, as my memory is not what it used to be.  Mitchell opened the scoring from long range with a shot across his body (as we have been practicing in training a couple of weeks ago!)  Arran was in blistering form down the right (in my opinion his best game of the season so far) and his pace and trickery carved out many opportunities, two of which he took himself, both shots which were too hot for the keeper to handle.  Kristian had another excellent game leading the line well and causing their defence constant problems with his direct running.  He added a couple for himself with powerful drives.  Ruaridh laid on a couple for goals with some individual brilliance and scored one himself with a powerful drive from the edge of the box.  Lewis grabbed a couple - one a wrong footing shot from the 6 yard line and another bundling the ball in from close range.  Ben finished the scoring, rounding off a sweet, incisive move by bursting past the last defender and passing the ball into the net. 

Although we conceded 3 goals (went to sleep for the first 2 and conceded a third late on when the play was stretched), we defended a lot better as a unit.  Dan was Mr Reliability in goal.  Skipper Owen and Ryan were immense in the centre, while both Luke and Chris had their best games for a few weeks at full back. Jake had another all action game and his attitude personified the whole team's performance.  Although he didn't score, he made life very difficult for the defence and was up and down the line - great engine.  Mitchell gets better and more influential with every week as he settles into the side, winning headers and tackles in the middle of the park.  Ruaridh held his position a lot better this week and consequently we had a much better shape. The subs who came on at halftime each made a difference.  Mike really showed the improvements in his game recently with a non stop, unselfish display up front. Ben linked up well with the rest of the midfield and we passed the ball much better when he was on the pitch.  Tom added steel to the midfield, winning tackles and taking up good positions. 

What was especially pleasing was to see us return to playing the quality of football I know we are capable of.  Yes, we got a lot more time on the ball than we are used to, but we used this very well.  Everyone can be proud of their performance and attitude this week. 

Good to see former player Conor and his dad Paul back at Beddington Park watching the boys.  I think they were quite impressed. 

Many thanks to Neil and his boys from Whyteleafe Youth for the game.  They played the game in a very good spirit and competed right up to the final whistle - a credit to their club and manager.  Thanks also to the supporters of both teams for making it an enjoyable occasion for the players. Also many thanks to those who worked the kitchen this week, enabling us to pass on the first installments to the participating team - much needed cash.

In the next round of the Surrey Cup (last 32) we are away to the leaders of the Tandridge League, Hamsey Rangers, on 27 November.  Next week we are at home to Whitton Wanderers in the League Cup with a place in the quarter finals against Rocks Lane on 4 December up for grabs.

Note - no training this week.

Buzz