Wednesday 11th September KO 6PM at Syresham Sports And Social Club

The first home league game of Halse United U14s campaign was played on a slightly wet and cold evening.

Kick off 18.00
The game began with a bright start of momentum for the black and white where we attempted to control the game as soon as the referee blew the whistle. Many passes were found by the Brackley Athletic U14s defence slowing down the passages of play however the opposition backline had an early wake up call when the Halse United U14s forwards broke away through the centre with an early battle of pace and strength in which the defence had won on this occasion.

Goal: Halse United U14s 0 - 1 Brackley Athletic U14s
In the 14th minute, a goal kick from the black and white was intercepted by the oppositions player who controlled comfortably and looped the ball over the goalkeeper to give the opponents an unsuspected lead on derby day. The goal will mean that Halse United U14s have to do more than they already have done so far in the match and try to regain and maintain momentum. As soon as the game restarted, minutes later Ayres received the ball in a wide position and curled his effort towards the bottom left hand corner but was saved by the goalie.

Goal: Halse United U14s 1 - 1 Brackley Athletic U14s
Ayres didn't have too much time to rue the opportunity as moments later a corner whipped in by Elmer used his outstanding technical ability to go through all the orange shirts and find the forward who finished off the wonderful delivery to get the game on level terms. Both players have been remarkable and hard working in the last two games and in training so it is brilliant to see their performances being rewarded here.
After the goal was scored, the away teams goalkeeper was forced off with injury. Both teams came together and applauded the young keeper as he made his way off the pitch. A really nice moment in a derby game which you really do like to see.

Goal: Halse United U14s 1 - 2 Brackley Athletic U14s
Brackley Athletic U14s replied immediately to the goal with a through ball through the centre of the defence leaving the forward to be 1 on 1 with the goalkeeper. Despite his best efforts of limiting the attackers space in front of him, the player in orange slotted the ball into the back of the net. Halse United U14s will have to follow suit and find a leveller again if they want a way back into this match.

Subs: Halse United U14s 1 - 2 Brackley Athletic U14s
In the 24th minute, a rare quadruple change occurred for the home side with our top assister of this season so far and captain Mcdonald making way for forward John. Both wingers who linked up for our first goal, Ayres and Elmer was also replaced by Lovelock and Monk who both bring energy and a spark to the team when called upon. The final change consisted of a change in the backline with the physical and aerial winner Snelgrove being swapped with Masson who plays his first game of the season.

Goal: Halse United U14s 1 - 3 Brackley Athletic U14s
29th minute, the visitors increased their advantage with a much needed goal to settle nerves and have a cushion before half time with a powerful strike going over everyone's head and dipping into the Halse United U14s net. A more required job is needed for the black and white before the first half is at a close.

Half Time: Halse United U14s 1 - 3 Brackley Athletic U14s
Nothing much followed after the increased lead with the referee indicating the end of the first half with the hosts trailing at the break. Another needed team talk and drinks break is in order to reduce the deficit.

Start of Second Half: Halse United U14s 1 - 3 Brackley Athletic U14s
There will be a triple change at the break with Elmer, Mcdonald and Snelgrove coming back on the pitch with Greasby, Parker and Ward making way after their hard work and best efforts to try get a foothold in this match. In the 41st minute, Brackley Athletic U14s found themselves in another good position with one of the players receiving the ball and only having the keeper to beat in another 1 on 1 situation. However some brilliant tracking back, recovery and finally the slide tackle from the new defensive addition Snelgrove made sure the chance didn't amount to anything. 2 minutes later, another sub was due with goalscorer Ayres coming back on for the player who had assisted him Elmer.

Penalty: Halse United U14s 1 - 3 Brackley Athletic U14s
A greater opportunity from 12 yards arose for the visitors with 20 minutes to go after a pull from the goalkeeper caused the referee to point to the spot. This is the 3rd time Halse United U14s have conceded a penalty this season. However, this was the first time it wasn't converted after a magical and reflex save to the right hand side from Baillie stopped Brackley Athletic U14s from increasing the advantage to 3. A brilliant moment for the goalkeeper after some brilliant performances in recent appearances.

Goal: Halse United U14s 1 - 4 Brackley Athletic U14s
In the 56th minute, the away side managed to increase the lead again and have a greater chance of claiming the 3 points in a difficult game. The goal was in a similar position to the opponents first and third goals with the ball coming to an unmarked player who had enough time to get the shot away on the outside of the box and dipped into the black and white net. After this, a penultimate change happened with Elmer coming back on to the pitch with Lovelock being replaced. He looked promising with multiple offensive and clever passes going through to the front 2. A reply from Halse United U14s nearly limited the oppositions advantage after a through ball was met by Cafe after he used his brilliant speed and got to the ball first over the goalkeeper but was unfortunately followed with a strong challenge by a defender who recovered well. One more sub was due after the challenge as Cafe had to be replaced with top scorer so far of the season Ward. Another moment of respect from both sides followed the change as another stage of applause took place for the striker with both opposition coaches also wishing the player well.

Chances: Halse United U14s 1 - 4 Brackley Athletic U14s
With 5 minutes to go, there were more chances for Brackley Athletic U14s with more players in space being found in risky areas as a shot was blocked from Masson to show his brilliant defensive mindset on his first game back and some more brilliant saves from Baillie with rebounds cleared away effectively.

Goal: Halse United U14s 1 - 5 Brackley Athletic U14s
In one of the last kicks of the game, a miss interpreted bounce fell through on the halfway line with the away sides striker having acres of space and time to place his attempt past the keeper into the bottom right hand corner to cap off a good performance and a comfortable win on derby day for Brackley Athletic U14s.

Full Time: Halse United U14s 1 - 5 Brackley Athletic U14s
And that was that! Derby day defeat for Halse United U14s leaves us winless in our first 2 league games. Its an unfortunate result and can be rather hard to take but knowing the mentality of the team, they will bounce back and be stronger and more motivated for the next game in due course to attempt to gain some points at the start of the season instead of the end. Despite the result, this was also the first time in a while that Halse United U14s had scored from a corner. Many other positives include a better opening 15 minutes than recent games, some braver and commanding goalkeeping from new signing Baillie and some strong and physical challenges in the central defence and midfield. Todays Player Of The Match has been awarded to Naomi Jenkins after a brilliant performance which included a high work rate, a greater need of winning and controlling the ball in key areas and some passes which caught out many of the opponents players. Many things to reflect and work on after this game which can be resolved. On to the next one this weekend!

What's Up Next?
Halse United U14s will again be at home for this weekends league fixture against Bedford Park Rangers U14s (Sat) Tigers to try get their first points of the season. The game will be played on the 14th Saturday September.

Goal: Harry Ayres
Assist: Jaden Elmer
Player Of The Match: Naomi Jenkins