Risers u10s were up against it before kick off with a number of absences and late fitness test for keeper Ethan. Thankfully the #1 was passed fit on the morning of the game and a debut call up for Theo from the Colts ensured Risers were ready to take on Snowdon & Aylesham.
Upon arriving at the opponents ground, Risers were met with horrendous driving rain and wind. Thankfully, the game was on AstroTurf and the game kicked off as planned. Risers were soon into their stride, with debutant Theo leading the press and the team finding inroads down the left flank. An early attack ended with Sonny bundled over in the box and the referee pointed to the spot. Charlie stepped up and tucked the penalty into the bottom corner to give Risers an early lead. A second followed swiftly as Sonny cut in from the left onto his favoured right foot and, via a slight deflection, doubled Risers’ lead. Risers then began to make inroads down the right hand side with Jake’s strong running; only a number of strong tackles prevented further joy for Risers.
As the half progressed, Snowdon & Aylesham got a foothold in the game and began to threaten. Theo and Lorenzo mopped up most of these attacks but eventually the pressure told and the opponents got a goal back. Another long ball over the top caused confusion at the back and their striker nipped in to draw them level. Only a number of solid saves, with great handling in the rain, from Ethan prevented risers going behind before the break.
The Risers coaches made some adjustments at half-time and pinned back Snowdon & Aylesham almost immediately. After a series of dangerous set pieces, Sonny whipped in a corner and a defender headed past his own keeper. Further pressure led to another corner and this time Lorenzo’s low delivery was turned into the roof of the net by the debutant to cap an impressive display. With Risers comfortably in the lead, some strong challenges were exchanged, leading to Lorenzo departing the pitch temporarily for treatment. Despite being down to six men for a time, Risers kept the ball intelligently to secure a hard fought victory.
Tim
