First Match of the Season for the U12's is a Thriller

After the storms of Saturday night, we were all pleased to wake up to a bright and sunny Sunday morning for the U12's first match of the season against Nation Youth.

This was also to be the teams first match on the Echo league. Home and away fixtures and an, as yet, undetermined level of football.

In addition, the U12's had lost several players over the summer but recruited some new ones, giving the squad a few more players overall.

The match started a little later than planned at 11am and Barkingside were out of the blocks and quickly on the attack. A great cross from Olivia, who was marauding down the right, was tapped in beautifully by one of the new recruits - Clark. 1-0 to Barkingside and we were only two minutes in.

A minute later and it was nearly two with almost the same move as before. Unfortunately the shot just scrapped over the crossbar.

Nation went on the attack themselves forcing a great diving save from Jacob in goal. A good clearance from Jacob and Joe was through on goal, missing by the narrowest of margins.

Ten minutes in and a mix up by Barkingside's goalkeeper gave Nation an indirect free kick in the penalty area. The initial shot was bravely blocked by the defence only for the rebound to go in.

The match ebbed and flowed with both teams getting their chances. two falling to Sam in quick succession who shot just wide after heavy pressure form Nation's defenders.

Just before the first half whistle, Barkingside were undone by a long ball straight down the middle of the pitch which was coolly taken by their striker.

The second half started with Nation on the attack again. A great save by Jacob again, tipping the ball just over the bar.

Another good block however rebounded for Nation to knock home.

Barkingside weren't down though and set about shifting the balance of play which had swung in Nations favour. Their persistence payed off when Eliis was dragged down in the penalty box. Penalty to Barkingside which was despatched by Clark.

Another sucker ball down the middle undid Barkingside 10 minutes later giving Nation another goal.

The game was getting stretched now with chances at both ends. A great chance fell to Ellis who knocked it just wide. Nation had a shot bounce off the post and roll across the goalmouth which Ollie cleared just before they could poke it in.

Another goal to Barkingside 5 minutes from time would make for a nervy finish. Ariyan won the ball in midfield and managed to get his pass off to Ellis who put it neatly in the back of the net.

Barkingside were pushing for the equaliser and came so close in the last few minutes of the match but it unfortunately wasn't to be this time.

Overall a great performance form this new look team which gives a lot of hope for the season ahead.

POTM Ollie P