The Future Looks Bright for the Bloods

The future looks bright for the Bloods

Saffron Walden U18s 1 – Histon U18s 1

I am writing this blog, while sitting in ATS for the 3^rd time this week. All my work emails are done, so I thought I would spend the time talking about the beautiful game.

I arrived at the Meadow with my Step Dad Jon, around 7.15pm. Once I said hello to everyone, I made my way to the bar and got myself a Guinness. We discussed last Saturday’s defeat to Haverhill, and what went wrong. We are feeling optimistic that our luck will soon change, and we will start scoring the goals we need. Keep the faith fans!

We talked about, me writing a mini-series based on Mrs. Nash and the club. We joked about what actress would play Mrs Nash. Andy suggested we get Pauline Quirke from Birds of a Feather. I may write to her agent.

Anyway, enough of that! Let me talk you through the match.

TEAM: David Vant, Jack Garrett, Connor Scott, Jamie Dicker, Oliver Rand, Jake Thompson, Jack Young, Max Barry, Charlie Smith, Jordan Carter, Charlie Dicker. Substitutes (all used): Callum Sparrow, Jack Gosden, George Chappel, Trevor Eve, Sam Soutar.

First Half

Both teams started very well and looked eager to win. Walden started to come forward, but the Histon defense put in some very good, strong tackles to prevent letting the Young Bloods put in a dangerous cross.

10 minutes into the match, and Walden had a great opportunity to go 1 up. Charlie Dicker made a great run down the wing to beat the Histon winger, and then he beat the right back. He got his ball into the box and Walden had two decent chances from Charlie Smith and Jake Thompson. Had it not been for a solid Histon defense, Gibert would have been picking the ball out of the net.

Walden showed some great passing between the midfield. You could see that the manager had been working hard on movement, and keeping the ball. Jack Young had a great chance, but his shot went wide.

We had a great effort from a free kick, which was facing the goal. Charlie Smith went for a shot, but the ball went slightly too high to trouble Gilbert.

The Young Bloods looked dangerous on the wing. Charlie Dicker showed of his classy footwork, but was eventually tripped for a Walden free kick.

With Walden playing the better football, the Bloods defense came unstuck. David Vant and his defender made a slight error from a through ball. The ball went up in the air, just outside the box, which unfortunately for Vant; fell to Histon’s Termain Hill, who calmly slotted the ball into the back of the net from 20 yards.

Walden did not let their heads drop, and worked very hard to get back into the game. Charlie Dicker was again causing the defense havoc. He reminds me of a young James Thomas. He did manage to get a cross in, but it was well defended by Sam Leonard.

35 minutes and Histon started to turn up the heat. They put pressure on the Young Bloods, and won themselves a corner. The corner did not trouble the defense.

Near the end of the half, Walden were awarded a free kick. The free kick was taken well, but Gilbert made a great save. Gilbert could only palm the ball away, and Dicker tried to get the ball back into the box. It looked like he kicked it against the Histon defender for a corner, but to our surprise Histon was awarded a goal kick.

Jordan Carter collided with Gilbert, when both players went for a 50/50 ball. It was brave of Carter to put his head in, but unfortunately he came of worse. After a few minutes he shook it off and carried on.

The lads kept working hard until the half time whistle. Our last throw of the dice came from a Walden corner, but it was well defended by Connor Woodrow.

HT: Saffron Walden U18s 0 – Histon U18s 1

Second Half

Sam Soutar replaced Dave Vant.

It was the perfect start for Walden. Jack Young was tripped as he went into the penalty area, and a penalty was awarded. Young took the penalty, and equalized with a firm shot into the corner of the goal. Gibert guessed the right way, but there was too much power in the shot.

The lads looked favorite, to score again and really worked as a team. Charlie Dicker continued his good form from the first half, with a dipping shot, but Gilbert caught the ball well.

Histon’s defense, were working overtime to try and stop Walden from taking the lead. Again Dicker, got the better of his man and dribbled the ball into the box, but his cross was well defended.

80 minutes into match and the lads looked like they had been playing together for years. It was so encouraging to see the positive team work. Walden had a great chance from a corner, but Garrets headed effort went over the bar.

Twice Histon could have scored from dangerous breakaways, as Walden kept working hard for a second goal. I was very confident we could win the match, but we had to settle with a well-earned draw. Credit to Histon for their solid defense and hard work!

I would also like to give special mention to the assistant referee. The elderly gent must have been in his 70’s. I am not meaning to sound patronizing, but we were impressed with the fact he didn’t let age stop him from doing what he enjoyed. He also enjoyed a bit of banter which is always good.

On the hole the officials had a very good game.

MOTM goes to Charlie Dicker. He showed off some brilliant skill, and never stopped working. Well done Charlie. I know all of you impressed Mr. Wardley, so well done.

Thanks for reading.