THE BOSS IS COMING
WHEATSHEAF HEATHERSIDE FC
   Established 2000     

Spelthorne Sports 2 (0) – 1 (0) Wheatsheaf Youth FC

The Youth team travelled to Spelthorne this weekend full of hope after putting together a run of 5 wins on the trot in the league, and although facing the league leaders, were confident of giving a good account of themselves. 

Captain Ric Jackson was ruled out after he was the subject of a bid from Manchester United in the week, Jackson spending the weekend in the North discussing the move, only for the deal to fall through at the 11^th hour due to a disagreement over personal terms.  He was the only notable absentee from the team which welcomed back Richard Brock and Babs Johnson, as well as Mark Sutton who was included after agreeing a move from Aldershot.  Manager Tim Hughes opted to go for a traditional 4-4-2 formation despite Spelthorne’s unusual 3-5-2 line-up.  Mark Sutton took up his place next to James Reeves in the centre of defence, with Robbie Harkness and Nick Paris playing as full backs.  The midfield had a familiar ring to it, with Steve, Ryan, Mike and Gav assuming normal duties. Babs and Liam started up front after Brockie had worries over asthma problems the night before the game.  Will, Jordan and Brockie made up the subs bench which meant no place for the previous Sunday’s double scorer Hughes.

As mentioned, Spelthorne have enjoyed great success this season due to their 3-5-2 formation, and on their wide home pitch it is easy to see why, as the team swamps the midfield, and with a good footballing ethos they make use of every available inch of grass.

It was the Wheatsheaf who started the most brightly in this early morning cup-tie, with some good flowing football presenting chances for Gav, Mikey and Babs in the opening 10 minutes.  It was looking as though the Sunbury based team had completely underestimated the threat posed by the Sheaf, and were lucky to still be in the game after the opening 10 minutes.  It was a similar story throughout the first half, with the majority of the game played out in midfield,  but the best of the chances falling to Sheaf players. 

Robbie Harkness pulled up with only 20 minutes gone nursing a hamstring strain, and was replaced by Will Rosten, who took up the right back spot, Nick Paris swapping over to left back.

Steve Laidler and Ryan Ralphs were performing well despite being heavily outnumbered, and were finding killer balls that on another day would have led to goals.  The writing seemed on the wall as the Spelthorne goalie pulled off a number of fine saves, maybe this wasn’t to be the Wheatsheaf’s day…

At half-time there was plenty to be pleased with, the Youth team holding the op of the league team, and dominating a first half which they felt unlucky to be not ahead in.  The clear message to the players from Hughes was regarding keeping the ball on the deck, with the Sheaf players clearly better on the floor than in the air.

As the 2^nd half started, Spelthorne started to gain a foothold in the game and could have gone ahead, one of their strikers missing a guilt edged chance early on in the 2^nd 45.  At the same time however, the Youth team always looked dangerous on the break, and Mike and Gav found themselves in acres of space everytime the Youth team attacked, exploiting the space where there was no full back.

Richard Brock replaced Liam after 65 minutes, with Liam having run his heart out for the cause, but to no avail on this occasion.  Brockie provided a set of fresh legs to chase and rush the Spelthorne defenders. 

With 15 minutes to go, both managers were starting to get nervy, both knowing that 1 goal could be enough to win this evenly balanced cup tie.  Both teams were playing attractive football and despite the importance of the game it was played in good spirits, the referee having little to do, but doing what was needed very well.  It was refreshing to see a referee who was keener on letting both teams play football rather than blowing up and brandishing cards left, right and centre. 

Spelthorne were gifted the lead shortly after, a innocuous ball in from the right eluded one man and as Mark Sutton went to control the ball, slipped and handled.  It was a clear penalty, and was duly dispatched by the Spelthorne skipper.  With around 13 to go, time was running out for the Wheatsheaf to claim anything from a game they could have been winning.

It was straight from the kick-off that the equaliser came however.  A ball was sprayed out to Gav on the left, he crossed dangerously for Babs, who distracted the keeper enough for him to fumble the ball out to the awaiting Mikey.  He had an awkward ball to deal with, but tucked it into the net past the despairing dive of the Spelthorne defender.  It gave the Wheatsheaf a lifeline back into the cup, and another opportunity to secure victory.  The goal dampened Spelthorne spirits and the Wheatsheaf could have found themselves in the lead had chances been taken by Gav and Brockie.

It was not be though, as from a freekick needlessly given away by the Wheatsheaf, Spellthorne struck.  A short ball was played into the edge of the box, the Sheaf’s defenders allowed too much time for the Spelthorne player to pick a pass out, he found the unmarked right winger, who rifled home off the post.  It struck a killer blow to the Wheatsheaf, and despite a late bit of pressure on the home teams goal, they never looked like getting back on level terms. 

As the final whistle blew, both teams knew they had been involved in a great cup-tie, and it was surely the Youth teams hardest game to date.  It proved that taking your chances when they present themselves is vital in all levels of football, and that concentrating throughout the 90 minutes is also required when playing top teams. 

Man of the Match : Difficult to say really, the whole team worked tirelessly for the entire game, and so it would be unfair to single out a particular player.  All 13 players involved tried their hardest, but for one reason or another it was just an off day for the team.