Surrey Under 16s 1 - 3 Kent Under 16s
By Ken Brooke. Friday, 12 March 2010
Collins Double secures Title for Kent
2 goals from Tom Collins and one from Josh Kennedy helped Kent secure the South East Counties Championship at Molsey F.C. on Wednesday evening.
Only a goal with the last kick of the game stopped a clean sheet for Kent who deserved to win the game.
With Jessie Darko away at Cardiff the decision was made to give Tunji Agbage his County debut up front with the lively Collins, and these two were a handful for the Surrey defence all night. With Zach starting in goal for Stevie Sutton, the team had almost picked itself, and the knowledge that the players have of keeping to a chosen squad and pattern of play clearly helped.
Our preparation was first class and professional. We arrived at Molsey at 6.00pm which gave us a full 90 minutes before kick off. My thanks to the Committee who backed this decision and we were out warming up when several opposition players were arriving! Also to all our players who were all on time. A great effort considering this was a school day.
We started very brightly in the game and Ryan Croucher in centre midfield was outstanding. Strong, good in the tackle, his decision making was spot on, and he was unlucky to see his goal effort chalked off, as the Assistant had kept his flag up for some 90 seconds for a previous offside that hadn't been spotted!
Ably assisted by Bola in midfield and some excellent runs down both flanks by messrs Puxley and Kennedy, kept the Surrey back four on their toes all evening. Some lovely tricks and skills by young Kennedy, reminded me very much of Ben Greenhalgh now of course at Inter Milan!
Our first goal came on 31 minutes when Tom Collins broke the line, and slotted superbly past the advancing keeper. His second just after half time was a high class finish as he lobbed the advancing keeper from 20 yards. A superb finish from a very talented striker.
Our defence was marshalled superbly by George Hutchins at centre back who had another excellent game, assisted by skipper Lloydy who lead the team superbly all season.
Changes were made in the second half to give all 5 subs a chance to take part, and this did not affect our ability to keep pressing forward.
With 5 minutes to go, Kennedy smashed a fierce shot which hit the bar and bounced back over the line off the keeper and into in the net.
Deep into injury time Surrey scored their consolation which came from a header which Stevie Sutton could not quite tip over the bar.
I must stress again that this was very much a squad effort, and every player has played their part in making this season a special one.
It is a fantastic achievement to win this competition and remain unbeaten all season. We will be using some of the squad in remaining under 18 games this season, and I am sure that all will want to be involved next season.
Congratulations to all the players.........thoroughly deserved!!!
Team: Zach Foster-Crouch, Darelle Stewart, Matt Daniels, Ryan Croucher, George Hutchins, George Lloyd, Sam Puxley, Bola, Tom Collins, Elliott West, Josh Kennedy, Tom Carlse, Stevie Sutton, Tunji Agbage, Ryan Waterman, Josh West.
