Bottisham FC - U11s 2005

A bright start for Bottisham with a goal from James Green in the first five minutes. A defensive mix-up allowed James through on goal, the greasy surface making the shot unstoppable. Minutes later a second defensive error from the home team almost saw us go 2-0 up. The Swallows were clearly rattled and it also placed Bottisham in uncharted waters, not having been ahead in a game so far this season. Bottisham seemed to thrive on the pressure though, each player equal to every challenge and chasing every ball. The defensive partnership of Ben and Lewis - supported ably by Danny and Edward - contained the home team for the next twenty minutes, breaking down the play and redistributing the ball well. There were two chances for the home team in the last five minutes which caused the team to lose their composure, one a shot from their tricksy No7 which Chris held well.
The second half started with a more coherent Swallows piling on the pressure. Bottisham were playing deep in their own half, but the defending always seemed determined rather than desperate. A free kick from just outside the penalty area was scooped over the bar by Chris. Archie and Josiah were showing some flair on the ball and retaining possession well and a foray into the box by Brad produced a good save from their 'keeper. Nick showed great tenacity in midfield, Connor chased and harried their defence relentlessly and Patrick produced a great solo effort that unfortunately found the side netting. Two chances for ex-Bottisham player Thomas towards the end of the match gave the visiting spectators moments of anxiety, but on both occasions our 'keeper Chris Darling closed down the angle and did enough to keep his clean sheet.
The performance was a credit to the whole team with every player putting in maximum effort and earning the result. Well done lads!

13 November 05
Bottisham 3-9 Cottenham Utd Colts
This was always going to be a tough test - Cottenham beat us well in the first game of the season and produced good football on that occasion. There were four goals for the visitors in the first twenty or so minutes. In the sixth minute, Lewis cleared Bottisham's defensive lines but the ball hit a player and their No 10 snapped up the rebound and finished well. After 10 minutes, Danny brought down a player in the box who'd already taken the ball around Chris. Cottenham were awarded a penalty which was converted by their No7. Cottenham's captain then scored a header from a well struck corner in the eighteenth minute of play. Number four arrived on 22 minutes and was again a well taken shot. All of the goals were good goals as a result of good play from Cottenham rather than mistakes by the home team so there can be no grumbles. In the twenty-third minute Archie scored a great goal which began a decent spell for Bottisham. Brad had a good effort saved by their 'keeper and Bottisham enjoyed a period in the visitor's half. Just before half-time we gave away a free-kick for handball. The ball found their No14 on the right whose shot brought the score to 1-5 at half time. Despite the scoreline, the lads had not played at all badly, Cottenham were simply very organised and took their chances well.
The second half started well with a fantastic Rooney-esque chip over the 'keeper from Connor in the sixth minute to bring the score to 2-5. Home team spirits were lifted briefly but Cottenham quickly reasserted their dominance with two goals within two minutes. Bottisham were seeing more of the ball this half though and when we were awarded a free-kick in the thirteenth minute Josiah thumped it into the top left corner of the net leaving their goalie no chance. Three minutes later the visitors replied with another well worked goal and with five minutes to go scored their ninth after an attack on the left wing. Good individual performances from Danny in defence, Connor and Archie in midfield this week and three good goals against an excellent team is something to be pleased about. Well done lads - a very enjoyable game to watch.