Moormead FC maintained their undefeated record against their toughest opposition yet, with a wonder goal from Sam earning a 1 -1 draw.
Todays opponents, Whyteleafe FC Wanderers, came to Moormead with their own undefeated record, and it was obvious why. They were powerful at the back with a team of battlers and decent skill. Mind you, this only highlighted the awesomeness of our defence with Orla, Teig and Alec all having excellent games.
From the off it looked like a tight game, a few mazy runs from Sam, as well as Jake constantly trying to attack were noticeable as Moormead soaked up pressure from Whyteleafe, they hit the side netting at least twice in the first half. When we did attack goal mouth opportunities were hard to come by as they were very organised at the back. Kiran’s cross come shot was one of the few attempts we had.
Everyone contributed in defense and Charlie kept trying to set Ryan free on runs and that helped us push further up the pitch, but when Whyteleafe broke on us it looked like a certain goal, they got into the box one on one with Alec, however suddenly Orla popped up from nowhere and took the ball off the boot of their attacker putting it safely into touch.
Nerves were fraying, we were not used to this deadlock on the touchline, we went into half time at 0 – 0.
There were more coaches than in a National Express garage on display, so the advice must have been fulsome at half time. Fuelled with this Moormead shaped up for the second half, kicking down the slope this time, and we soon won a corner on the bottom right.
Sam smacked it in, no, literally smacked it straight in, from the corner. The ball flew across the goal, and the right hand check spin Sam obviously put on the ball deviated it into the goal past the stunned keeper. Nobody was quite sure how it happened but it was 1 – 0 and a welcome goal.
It wasn’t long though before Whyteleafe reaped the rewards of their own attacking effort, which was a very nice passing move from right to left followed by a lovely through ball goal which, for once Alec couldn’t get to first but although he tried to close down the angle, it was in vain as the Whyteleafe forward slotted the ball past him into the corner.
1 – 1
It was end to end stuff, with James playing up front and Mani pushing forward with Kiran every time Moormead got a break forward, but we just couldn’t get a goal, Daniel tried a long shot but it didn’t come off and although both sets of kids tried their hardest it was an even match and a draw was probably a fair result.
For those who don’t know Whyteleafe FC are an FA Charter Standard Club with at least two youth teams in each age group, which train once a week, and who have a senior team in the Ryman Isthmian League (check out their web site). This is the standard of opposition we are matching up against, so we should be soooooooooo proud of our kids and everyone involved, and all those who have got us to this position deserve a massive pat on the back.
Thanks all and Up the Moormead!