Waterfront UTC played their first fixture of the season this week, with our Year 10 team taking on Strood.
From the very start, you could see the confidence in the Waterfront players and just how much they wanted to win the game. Captain Henry named the team, and we got underway.
Waterfront started strongly and dominated much of the first half. We spent large periods of the game taking corners, creating chances and having shots at the Strood goal. Their goalkeeper made several good saves to keep them in the game, while other efforts were either off target or blocked by defenders. The ball rarely made its way down to the Waterfront end.
The second half began with spirits high, and we knew exactly what we needed to do.
Some excellent play down the right resulted in a ball into the area, where Morgan managed to scramble it over the line.
1–0 Waterfront!
It may not have been the most elegant goal, but it was certainly deserved after the number of chances we had created.
Strood then began to put us under a little more pressure. Unfortunately, a moment of madness saw a Waterfront player handle the ball in the penalty area, giving Strood the opportunity to equalise from the spot.
1–1.
The equaliser gave Strood confidence, but Waterfront continued to create chances and remained on top for large parts of the game. However, we just could not find the finish we needed.
Then, against the run of play, Strood broke quickly down the right. They managed to get a shot away, which our goalkeeper got a hand to, but unfortunately the ball still found the back of the net.
2–1 Strood.
Waterfront continued to push for an equaliser, but Strood dug deep and managed to hold on for the win.
It was a frustrating result considering the amount of possession and number of chances we created. Ultimately, the difference was simple: we didn't take our chances, and Strood took theirs.
There were plenty of positives to take from the game. This is a strong Year 10 team with lots of potential, and I’m really looking forward to seeing what they can do in the fixtures ahead. Hopefully, next time, we put away a few more of those chances and make up for this one!
🏆 Players’ Player: Toby
Heads up, boys. You played well. We learn from it, we move forward, and we go again next game! 💪⚽