Crockenhill Under 15's vs Croydon Athletic - Pre-season friendly
By Mike Delaney. Friday, 5 September 2008
On Sunday 31st August 2008 Crockenhill FC 93 (u15s) welcomed Croydon Athletic FC u15s to Wested Meadow for the last fixture of their pre-season friendly campaign.
The lads knew that Croydon Athletic would be a difficult test and that this was their last opportunity to prepare for their inaugural Kent Youth League season.
The opening minutes of this match proved that Croydon Athletic are a team used to winning, fast paced attacking formations repeatedly tested the Crockenhill defence and keeper James Nelson was called into early action to deny Croydon first blood.
Crockenhill managed to ease the early pressure after centre back Malakai Field converted a well executed training ground corner routine from Vences Bola and Jonny Hodson.
An outstanding solo effort from Ray Knight doubled the lead and by this point our quality on the ball was beginning to show. Some very slick attacking play created openings and a few chances went amiss.
Keeper, James Nelson still had to be alert and made some good reflex saves sending us in at half time 2-0 up.
As in previous matches, the second half saw Crockenhill start to dominate the possession and the chances and goals soon followed. Sam Cannon came off the bench to score two; Ray Knight added his second with an impressive header; Vences Bola's low drive added to his goal tally; Luis Regis got his hard earned but deserved goal and captain Louis Howell re-entered in the second half to add his second of the season.
Harry Rogers excelled in the central defensive role and started to dictate the play especially in the second half. Effective use of pace and well delivered crosses earned Jamal Hackett the Man of the Match award and overall a very pleasing performance from a Crockenhill side who seem to be thoroughly enjoying playing together.
Three wins from the last three friendlies with three clean sheets plus an average of 5-0 per match is a very positive way to head in to the season next Sunday.
Match report by Mike Delaney
Match Official - Mr Graham Ray
