The saying “If you don’t take your chances” could not have been more true, as the U14 boys dominated most of the possession and were caught out on the counter attack against a well drilled team who contested all over the pitch.

A loss of footing and a little bit of ball-watching allowed ACHC to take the lead late in the first half after Crostyx had looked dangerous in the opening stages of the game. 1-0 at half-time is certainly not a score to be overly worried about, and the boys continued working the ball forward, pouring forward in numbers, but wasting the chances that came their way as the ball fizzed past the far post on numerous occasions.

ACHC broke up an attack on the edge of their own circle and swiftly countered, and they did this with quality to eventually score after a good initial save from GK Barney Tedder.

Undeservedly 2 goals down, and against the run of play, the boys did not stop trying and eventually perseverance paid off as Freddie Britt pulled a goal back with a reverse stick hit from the top of the circle that found its way between the GKs pads. The ACHC GK had previously halted many of the short corner attacks which had left Crostyx frustrated. 7 minutes left to find an equaliser and Crostyx threw everything they had, but ultimately the defence thwarted the boys’ efforts and sensibly kept launching the ball down the other end of the pitch forcing Crostyx to have to restart from deep in their own territory.
Couldn’t fault the boys efforts.

ACHC 2 - Crostyx 1

The game could be summed up in 1 word – Frustrating
Coach’s Man of the Match – Liam Dolden