Chiltern League Div 1 BU12 Games @ TLC

Chiltern League Div 1 BU12 Games @ TLC

To day we welcomed 2 newcomers to the team (Max and Theo) and William who has come up from the U10s.

Using a new structure of a GK then 4-1-1, Thame went into the first game in confident mood against a St Albans U12 team made up of some tall boys. However, within 4' THC passed well as a team and were ahead 2-0 and 3-0 by HT. 3 goals from Charlie with assists from Ben and William. Our defense of Lucas, Max, Aiden, Theo and Ben held firm in the second half to ensure the score stayed put at a well deserved 3-0.

The second game was against the A&C U10 team - We played this team last season so knew what to expect - Whilst skillful, they were no match for our well drilled boys and we won 2-1 (2 - Charlie, assist by Hugo and Lucas) with the A&C goal coming from a well struck hit that suprised us all - Aside of this Ned had nothing to do all day. Again our defense also held firm in the second half to ensure the score stayed put.

Final game was against our local rivals Aylesbury. Ben scored his first goal for Thame today and it was a cracker after a build up that saw all the team take a touch - cue the pass to Ben who from the RHS of the D shot into the LHS at the goal at a unstoppable height for the keeper - Then Charlie hit a low shot past the keeper having passed 3 players in the process. . Hugo, who has been unlucky all day then was in the right place 2 steps off the post to push the ball under the 'keeper. HT 3-0. The second half got a little messy as Aylesbury applied a hacking and tripping game but our Junior umpires we well placed to award a few PCs of which one was converted by the Ben-Charlie combo. We added further pressure looking for that 5th goal and with 7 players and no keeper for the final 3' we were unable to use the extra player to secure the additional goal.

Player of the 3 games - Ben for his defensive work and excellent goal.

Lots of positives, good debuts for Theo, William and Max, and some scope to improve in passing as a group,

So, in summary, 3 games, 3 wins, 9 points, 9 goals, 2 clean sheets - The squad did well and those session over the summer paid dividends today.

Thanks to Nanette Dart for time keeping and score keeping, Vicky Wheeldon for looking after the U18 umpires who did so well in the (at times) awful conditions and Steve Laws who gave up his time to umpire the other pitch. Plus to Hugo and Ben's mum for their cafe work as well.

With the same squad, we move to Aylesbury in a 2 weeks for a repeat, hoping to gain promotion to the Premier Division.