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At the end of a depressing week for English football, two young teams showed us the reason we love this game.
In an evenly matched and entertaining encounter, The Yellows eventually came out on top thanks to a lovely Campbell-Gump strike just minutes from time. But for the most part, the match was a fast flowing game that right until the end hung in the balance.
For the Yellows, the match started in a perfect fashion. Quick to the ball, with great movement and passing, it looked as if The Yellows would have an easy victory. And within ten minutes, you would have placed a handy bet on a home victory. A peach of a pass from Males inside the right hand side of the Buntingford defence saw a fine run by Hancock result in a sharp shot and a goal for the home side.
But for the rest of the first half, The Yellows seemed content to sit back and enjoy their lead, which is a disastrous thing to do in football. Where Buntingford had been edgy, they became confident. Where the Yellows had been sharp, they became sloppy. And a few minutes from the end of the half, Buntingford were level. Sloppy defending out on the right allowed a Buntingford player to push behind the Yellows retreating defence. A smart cross and the ball was pushed beyond Luck in goal. All square, and all to play for.
As the Buntingford players awaited for The Yellows to return to the pitch you could see they had the belief to win this match. And for a good portion of the half, they created enough movement in midfield to do so. But yet again, Gillham was magnificent in the centre of defence. With his able Lieutenant, M Bentley, at his side, and with Luck solid behind them, they were determined to let nothing pass them by. Smith also had a very strong second half today. Several times, he brought attacks down his flank to a halt, and his distribution was excellent. Up ahead of him, Moore was at his tireless best. I lost count of how many tackles he made, and he was a constant threat with the ball at his feet. And in one five minute passage of play, Males showed us how much running is expected of a midfielder. He was up and down the pitch so much I thought he was going to collapse. But he just aimed a comedic verbal volley in our direction and off he went again.
But as a draw seemed more and more likely, and as coach Morris nervously paced the touchline, a ball was played over the Buntingford defence and there was that goal from Campbell-Gump to give The Yellows the three points. No easy victory, but well deserved from a group of young players who could show the ones lucky enough to wear an England shirt a thing or two when it comes to determination and passion.
Cheerio Mr Mclaren, you will not be missed.
MOM M Bentley
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