Football Squad Heads North
The U16’s representative football squad made the long trip up north for their annual tour over the Easter Break. They played 3 matches against tough opposition, visited Sunderland’s Stadium of Light and gave a very good account of themselves to our northern counterparts throughout the five days.
Monday 6th April 2009 – Manchester Clubs for Young People
After 15 minutes Manchester took the lead when their striker beat the Essex keeper to a 50/50 ball and lobbed the ball into the net. Essex fought back and in the 32nd minute, strung together a good passage of play which led to Geoff Kent, our right back, delivering a measured through ball to centre forward Jake Conroy, who composed himself and lobbed the keeper to make it 1-1, going into half time.
In the second half Essex had several good chances to take the lead which were missed. It was not until the 78th minute of the game that the next and decisive goal was scored. A cross was put into the Manchester box which their defender headed straight up in the air. Charlie Benge reacted quickest and slammed the ball home on the volley to make it 2-1. Essex played out the rest of the game to earn a famous victory. Manchester congratulated Essex on their sportsmanship during and after the game.
Tuesday 7th April 2009 – Carlisle United
We were honored to make the short trip from High Row, our residential centre, to Carlisle to play against the Carlisle United Academy.
With the wind blowing straight down the ground in the Essex Boy’s favour in the first half, the tourists failed to take advantage with a string of near misses. There was no score at half time.
Essex paid for their inconsistency in front of goal in the second half, when a corner was not cleared and the ball was headed in at the far post by a Carlisle player. George Whiter , playing in goal for Essex, pulled off a superb save from a disputed penalty, only for the linesman to call for the kick to be retaken and the resultant penalty was calmly dispatched by Carlisle. A third goal, late on in the game, put the result beyond doubt and gave Carlisle a 3-0 victory. This was an eye opener for the Essex boys experiencing football in the north of the country against academy opposition for the first time.
Thursday 9th April 2009 – Durham Clubs for Young People
Following a tour round the Stadium of Light and an overnight stay at the Grindon Young Peoples Centre in Sunderland, the touring party made the short trip to Swalwell Football Club for the traditional fixture with Durham Clubs for Young People. In a hard fought game of few chances, the Essex lads were looking tired after the events of the last few days. The match was decided with a stunning strike from 25 yards giving the keeper no hope and a 1-0 victory for Durham. The hospitality form Durham, as always was superb, and rounded off a great tour.
Congratulations to all the players and staff for their efforts and contributions in making the trip a success.
