First XI v Whitchurch

Bishops Waltham Dynamos U15B - 6
Witchurch U15 - 1
Testway League U15 Division 2

This was to be our first encounter with recently relegated Whitchurch, also played at our second home over at Priory Park. Whitchurch began much the better of the teams as Dynamos spent some time finding their feet, Dynamos first foray into the Whitchurch half saw Aaron go one-on-one with the keeper who saved well. Once everyone was awake the game became an even contest, but neither team showed much width and play was compressed into the centre which made for some slow going for both teams. Tom L made a run on the right, his ball into the centre was turned over by Aaron, next, Tom B played Jack through and he tapped in from close range to give Dynamos the lead. Tom L had a chance but hit the post from a very acute angle, all the pressure was on the Witchurch goal, Jack produced a great ball to set Aaron off for another one-on-one, this time shot just wide. Dynamos were looking far more assured at the back than last time out which in turn was allowing the midfield time to build attacking positions. A great cross-field ball by Rob P found Tom L, he crossed to find Aaron close in but his shot slid past the far post, Ads set Jack on his way next, he beat a couple of defenders to get a deep cross in which was met at the far post by the flying Aaron with a fearless diving header to double the lead. Jack shot just wide, Aaron shot just wide, you get the feeling the score could easily have been a lot higher as Dynamos continued their dominance of the first half. Aaron produced a brilliant curling cross for Jack who's shot slipped wide again. A little frustration crept into Dynamos play but was only short lived as a frustrated Jack hit a rather speculative shot into a crowded area, the ball eluded defender and keeper alike and rolled into the net for 3-0. With Dynamos in the ascendancy full backs were getting well forward too, Ads fired a cross-field from left to right ball to send Tom L through for a one-on-one but his shot went just wide, so, only three nil at half time ! - how it wasn't eight or so I really don't know, Whitchurch probably the happier at half time !
The second half began and continued the first half theme to begin with. First of the highlights being Aaron getting all the way to the goal line and pulled a great pass back to Jack who normally would have buried it but the force field that Whitchurch had brought with them had changed ends too ! Whitchurch spent some effort in trying to get back into the game but I don't remember JT having to break into a sweat at all, at least things were more end to end for our entertainment. Aaron shot wide again from a sweeping Dynamos attacking move, and again shot wide after intercepting a wayward goal kick - really not Aaron's day today ! Whitchurch's renewed effort paid off when their forwards cross flew off Sam's head into the roof of the net before JT had seen it coming. For a while the game slid back into a slightly stagnant midfield tussle, scrappy play with neither team stringing passes together, Dynamos earlier good shape had gone and with it their dominance of possession. Interestingly, this is also the point in the game when they began converting chances into goals ! Jack found the ball at his feet in the area and proceeded to run rings round the keeper before sliding the ball into the empty goal, still Dynamos were lacking a meaningful midfield presence. In spite of this, Rob R intercepted a goal kick and found Rob P who was now playing up front and he produced a sublime chip to leave the keeper no chance, now it was 5-1 which looked much more realistic. Dynamos did save the best for last, Ads and Luke combined for a flowing move down the left, Luke rolled a cross into Rob R and he smashed a shot under the diving keeper to finish off a fine win for Dynamos. Loads of great performances today, Luke was man of the match.