Round 18 - U15 A Boys

U15A Doncaster Rovers vs Box Hill 6th September

The last game of the year for Rovers was against the top team and played at the “top pitch” on what seemed to be a mild afternoon, but after five minutes in the icy wind coming off the mountains somewhere we all decided the bottom pitch had a lot going for it. After a speech in the rooms the boys were ready to go with a slightly different line up for the game.
Luke was in goal, York sweeping, Chris T and Daniel playing as twin Central Defenders whilst Matt V and Steve were playing as wide wing backs on the left and right respectively. Nik was the Central Midfielder, flanked by Elliott on the right and Chris S on the left with Mitch and Alex as twin strikers.
It was a fairly even start with the ball moving from end to end with some good passing and strong contests at the ball. After a free to Rovers in the forward mid-field Nik passed quickly to Matt V whose cross set up a good chance as Elliott got onto a header but the ball sailed over the cross bar. Box Hill were moving the ball well through the mid-field with some accurate passing and Rovers were giving too much latitude to their opponents. This allowed Box Hill to dictate terms into their forward line where some good interceptions by York, Chris, Daniel and Steve saved most opportunities. If this failed Luke stood in the way with two really good saves and several other clean saves.
The Box Hill forwards were aggressive at the ball and eventually a good chance was taken by their gun forward to put the ball into the back of the net. Rovers counter attacked with some good play by Elliiott and Chris S on the wings giving Rovers three free kicks all from a fair way out that we could not convert. Mitch and Alex were pressing but the Box Hill defense stood firm under pressure and soon had the ball back down the other end. It was a good contest with Box Hill just teaming that little bit better, but our boys were all really trying.

Half-time score: Rovers 0 : Box Hill 1

The second half continued on from the first with both teams making forward moves but neither really convincing in front of goal. Drew, Dion, Michael and Matt D all came on to give the boys a spell and to mix it up in order to get the goal back. Again Box Hill controlled the mid-field with a better system of play and a couple of quick defenders able to break the lines. Luke again made a couple of good saves to keep Box Hill from gaining an unbeatable lead but we could not make enough space in front of goals to seriously challenge. After what seemed the longest half of the season the Ref blew his whistle for full time with Box Hill deserving champions for the season.
All the boys gave it their best shot we just could not make the most of our chances, a familiar tale of the season that we need to work on next year to become the best.

Scores at full-time: Rovers 0 : Box Hill 1

ROVERS –well done on a year of individual and team improvements. If anybody knows of a young Nick Reiwoldt wanting to play U16A next year give me a call!!