Canterbury, one of the favourites for the EH Cup title, showed their clinical side in a 7-3 win against a young U14 Boys Knole Park team. Two goals from Isaac and one from James were thoroughly deserved in what was a tough game for the boys.
Canterbury started at a great pace and were two goals up in the first 5 minutes. Some slopping passing from defence and midfield meant the Canterbury midfield could intercept and they were able to finish on both occasions. This did however seem to spark the boys into life and Isaac scored an “Isaac Special” midway through the half. Slicing through the Canterbury midfield and defence, Isaac smashed the ball home to make it 2-1. Sadly, just before half-time, two more errors were capitalised on by Canterbury so we went into the break 4-1 down.
The second half was a much improved performance from the boys. Despite conceding twice on the counter, the game was played in the Canterbury half and the team created a number of excellent opportunities through Harry on the right and Riley on the left. Moritz in midfield was a machine, getting from D to D throughout, and his individual skills, as well as his ability to read the game was a joy to watch. Isaac continued to threaten through midfield, as did Indy and Louis who were carrying and passing well. The creativity of William, James and Mack up front were always a threat too. Teddy and Luke at the back thwarted the Canterbury attacks for a vast majority of the half too, especially as the game opened up in searching for some more goals!
Isaac scored a superb strike from a penalty corner, before Canterbury did the same at the other end to make it 7-2. The boys did however have the final say as their “never be beaten” attitude kept them going throughout. A superb run from Louis, plus some excellent advantage from the umpire, saw him break through the Canterbury defence. After a couple of 1-2s with the Canterbury GK(!), James P was on hand to power the ball into the back of the net! And with that, the final whistle went at 7-3. An excellent performance from an ever improving side. The maturity and character of the boys as young men is starting to really come through too which has been one of the most pleasing aspects of the restart since the March lockdown ended.
The boys move into the U14 Plate and will play Sevenoaks in the first round next weekend in what we hope will be a very positive match for both sides.