UNDER 16'S MATCH REPORT

SLENDER DEFEAT HIDES EXCELLANT PERFORMANCE

On Saturday the U16's travelled over to Portsmouth to take on reigning champions Moneyfields FC, Blues made a few changes to recent line up's but unfortunately went down 1-0 to a headed goal by Moneyfields striker Foster from a left sided corner on the half hour. In a thoroughly enjoyable hard fought encounter Rustington showed a very much improved performance after letting their standards drop in the previous two games.

As early as the fifth minute Rustington could and should have taken the lead when a nice passing move resulted in a left wing cross that eluded all the Moneyfields defender's falling to Ryan Harvey coming in at the far post but he hit the ball straight at the keeper and the ball was cleared to safety. Although a lot of good football was played by both sides both keepers were relatively untroubled. We were looking a little suspect from corners and it came as no real surprise when Moneyfields took the lead from one when a corner from the left was met at the far post by Foster to head past keeper Rebbetts and give Moneyfields the lead.

Within five minutes Blues could have drawn level when a cross from the right was half cleared by Moneyfields defence fell to the on rushing Tom Molnar who unleashed a thunderous shot from 25 yards that hit the corner of crossbar and post before the keeper could even move.

The second half followed a similar pattern with both teams playing good football but unable to breakdown either defence. A few half chances were created by Blues but we were unable to capitilise on them and indeed Moneyfields could have increased their lead when from another corner Rustington failed to attack the ball and another far post header was acrobatically tipped over by Rebbetts.

I consider us very unlucky to have lost this game as even the Moneyfields management thought that a point a piece would have been a fair result.

Results don't bother me that much (although they do matter to the squad) as my role with this squad is to help develop and progress as many of them as possible into the Under 18's, Reserves and First team in the seasons to come.

Overall a much improved performance by all with praise for all especially James Harris and MOM Grant Thetford who both produced what could only be described as excellent performances.