A cold and windy afternoon saw a dominant start from the Risers, with some good passing and a good, safe save from Ryan. Herne Bay Youth put in a good strike just over and followed up with a corner. The ball broke to Hayden and he passed well, releasing Noah on a promising run. The Risers were attacking well, but so were Herne Bay Youth, with Theo needing to put in some good blocks. The game was very even but the opening goal went to Herne Bay Youth, with a wind assisted shot, high into the net. Dylan and Sam put together some lovely attacking play, ending with Hayden shooting wide. At the other end Ellis and Blake both defended well, forcing Herne Bay away from the goal. Sam put a good shot on target, but it was well saved. Herne Bay then doubled their lead with the ball bouncing in off the post. The Risers kept fighting with some good attacking and Ryan saved well from a free kick.
The second half began with some good attacking down the wing from Harry. The Risers had the majority of the play, with three corners in quick succession and a great shot just wide from Finley. Noah, too put in some great runs forward but the breakthrough just wouldn’t come. Ashley also put in some lively runs down the wing yet amongst the Risers attacking, Herne Bay had two breaks, both resulting in goals. Despite the score line, the boys continued to play well, with both Sam and Noah going close in the closing minutes. Sam ran on to a great through ball and really tested the keeper. Another good performance from the Risers, with Hayden winning the Man of the Match award.
Jan
