A regal return to form...

After a few weeks out of action the Under 16's were again on the pitch & proving their fight has been in no way crushed after the last couple of disappointing results away from home. Every player had a part in the success, with notable mentions for Jeanmal Prosper who had his head on everything at the goal scoring end with the other end being covered well by ScottTurner & Chris Pope (for some reason any opposition that has come up against these boys in the past seems to steer clear of making attacks along the right wing.... maybe something to do with the left back??)

A great match to spectate, against a team (& inparticular a coaching team) that has a gentlemanly approach to the game in hand & the opposition (coaches, squad & spectators)

This manager is one of the few that I hold in high regard for his friendliness (even to a two-bit hack like myself!)

Under 16’s – Division 2

Marlow Royals 0 - Hale Leys Youth 3

Hale Leys Youth were back in control yesterday (Sunday) after a period of no games due to postponements & the last two away matches both going against them.

Leys fell quickly into a groove that worked for them, dominating the opposition half with the forwards keeping pressure on the defence & the midfield work rate at maximum.

Midway through the period a free kick for Leys, just inside their own half, was delivered cleanly by Jordan Murphy to late runner Chris Hawes. Keeper Ollie Atkins came forward to block the attack & when stretched on the ground left a clear opportunity for Hawes to tip the ball over Atkins before having to step over the floored keeper. Atkins required some attention for an injury sustained.

Royals responded hard with Laurence Griffith sending a targeted blast at goal but keeper Gary Bidgway blocked it without hesitation. Another push between Griffith & Ben Hegarty also failed to produce an equaliser before the break.

The second half saw Marlow push to get the game levelled again, another Griffith blast had Bidgway at full stretch to palm the ball onto the crossbar.

With the warning shot fired at them Leys settled down & with Pat Hurst running the ball along the right wing he turned it back into the box. Although not a great cross, the defending was less accurate & Luca Forchione made the gamble & slotted it past Atkins again.

The game continued on a pace with the visitors looking to put it beyond doubt & the Royals equally looking to swing it back. After a series of challenges on both sides along the wings Leys left back, James Marsh, came out of a clash with a minor concussion & was pulled off the pitch for treatment locally.

The match was put beyond doubt minutes into injury time when Durrelle Palmer targeted beyond Norths’ reach.

So with another win in the bag Hale Leys remain at the top of the table with the rest of the table biting at their heels.

As far as the concussed teenager goes.... well Im hard-pressed to tell the difference between the normal expression & that of the resultant injury! He came home & promptly insisted he was starving.... I think that means no change there then!!