A great day for playing football, although cold there was no overnight frost and the pitch on the far side was in really good condition considering the amount of rain over the last few weeks. RRFC U12Bs welcomed Hendon Youth B, first time opponents for the home team.
It was a competitive game from the start with both sides battling hard in the middle of the park. RRFC played a clever defence with the opposition offside on numerous occasions. Reagan in defence marshalled Spencer and Richard well, with wingers Adam and James and Hugh in mid-field playing their part, helping out as necessary. It appeared that RRFC were the more creative with some good passing play to create a couple of chances. Both set up for Hugh who despaired when they went past the outside of each post. it appeared that Hendon were going to find a way through but RRFC defence held strong.
In the second half Ruislip gave their all but still couldn’t find a way through the four man defence. Gradually though Harry in attack with George, Adam and Kyle playing through balls for Harry to chase began to turn the pressure on. One particular ball saw the Hendon keeper come out and take out the man to be correctly booked. This was after the keeper had kicked the ball out of hand outside his area. The referee was on hand on both occasions to give the correct decisions. Unfortunately, RRFC did not take advantage. However, with 8 minutes left some clever inter play with crisp passes between James, Adam and George allowed the latter to run on. George poked the ball past the keeper and almost in slow motion the ball kept rolling, into the empty net. 1-0 to RRFC! The last few minutes were tense with Hendon managing one shot on goal but all of the boys,despite being tired, dug in to save any clear cut chances.
Callum had played his heart out with a great effort. Lewis, as goalkeeper with not many saves to make was still busy covering his area well to make sure the ball wasn’t sent past him.
Assistant Referee: Grace Hollinrake
RRFC Team: Lewis Cole-Richardson (Goalkeeper) Richard Hennessy Reagan De Vere Kyle Pearson George Hollinrake (1 goal) Spencer Furlong Adam Taylor Hugh Legood (Captain) Harry Diggins Callum O’Grady James Hersee