HBFC Vs CTFC U16

After a long period off for Christmas the boys had a good training session on the 2nd before getting back into league action. We welcomed Jason Scott to the coaching team who brings a wealth of experience having coached at Herne Bay previously and more recently managing Minster, who challenged us for the league last season. We also welcomed back club captain Henry who had been sunning himself for a month in Australia and had been really missed in midfield.

We were faced with a really strong Chatham Town FC side who we had already played twice this season. The first game we were well beaten at their ground and the 2nd game we had drawn at home in the cup but missed out on penalties. So today was going to be tough.

Both teams started slow, but Chatham took the lead after a corner was converted at the front post. We responded well with Alex, Juliani and Max causing problems for their defence and pressing Chatham as they tried to play out from the back. The press was rewarded when Alex Scott pounced on a loose back pass and slotted past the keeper. 1-1.

The goal seemed to spur the boys on. Anton found Jack out on the right who delivered a delightful ball into the area. Alex made a great run between 2 defenders to head home, but the linesman raised the flag for a contentious offside.

On the stroke of half time, our super calm centre back Ollie Edwards was taken down in the box after a corner. Penalty.
Our dead ball maestro Zac stepped up and tucked home the penalty sending the keeper the wrong way. 2-1 HT

The boys came out firing and were a different team in the 2nd half, dominating possession and playing on the front foot.

Almost straight from the restart Alex was played through 1 on 1 and finished well finding the far corner 3-1. Im not sure what was said in the dressing room at half time but the boys seemed to find a new belief and had Chatham on the ropes.

Henry made it 4-1 after smashing in a loose ball at the far post after a corner.

Jack was found midway through the 2nd half in the 18 yard box and his first effort was saved by the keeper but he followed up burying the rebound.

Chatham kept on probing but our defence, Ethan Charlie Ollie and Zac and towards the end of the game Owen stood strong dealing with every attack. They came close late on but their 1 on 1 was saved well by Will.

Our talisman Juliani sealed the game before full time after a good run and slotting the keeper to make it 6-1.

What a result for the boys, which leaves them 3rd in the league and shows that on their day they can beat anyone. A top performance all round after a shaky start.

Next week we travel to our local rivals Margate, who we cruised past at home just before the Christmas break.