Under 11's Match Report

The last Under 11 match report described a poor defeat against a top side. How different today then as Thrapston went down again, but this time with heads held high after a performance which surely deserved greater reward.

The confidence of many Thrapstonites in the squad had been buoyed with victory yesterday in a school tournament, and this showed as Thrapston took the game by the scruff of the neck, forcing early pressure on the Higham goal.

The Opta index was showing a balance of possession and chances created clearly in Thrapston’s favour, but the “shots on target” column wasn’t greatly enhanced as a couple of gilt edged opportunities went begging.

Then, as so often this season a rare error in the otherwise resolute defence let in Higham – a speculative shot bobbled horribly over the outstretched arm of Alex Vitue to give Higham the lead. Then another move and a ball turned in to his own net by a Thrapston defender.

Two nil down, never a fair reflection on the play, and you sensed that the side knew this and wouldn't let the injustice remain. Good interplay between the excellent midfield combination of Alsop and Chandler Abbott resulted in Devante Hodgson being put through on goal and he coolly converted to get Thrapston back in the match. Devante has impressed everyone with his pace, and attitude since joining the club and this will surely be the first of many goals to come.

In the second half Thrapston continued to battle hard and got their reward when a goal kick was intercepted by Alsop who released Luke Rivett and he made no mistake with the finish. Oh how you need a natural goal scorer, just ask Rafa.

The back four of Connor Morson, Alex Noakes, Eric Curtis and Josh Scarbrow, who had been excellent individually and as a unit throughout the game, now came under increased pressure as the midfield tired and relied increasingly on Alsop and Chandler Abbott for their workrate. They succumbed to a goal with 15 minutes remaining, and with attacking options somewhat limited, Thrapston were unable to respond with a third goal.

So, a performance to treasure, and a result to discard. Next week the side begin their run in and will begin to gather points and move up the table if the attitude is as it was today.

MOTM – Eric Curtis – on a day when the whole defence, and a number of midfielders and attackers put in a performance that on another day would get the award, Eric’s competitive, ball winning display at the heart of the defence won him the MOTM accolade today.