Friendly Match | Away – Against Patcham United U13

Patcham United Athletic U13s vs. Willingdon Athletic U13s.

An excellent comeback from 4-0 down to draw 4-4, again highlighting our team’s collective spirit and never say die attitude.

The refereeing again was biased at times and inconsistent others. In the first half, with the game evenly poised, there were three decisions in quick succession, all going against the same Willingdon player and all in my opinion wrong. The first was a blatant trip from behind in the box, the second was a strong tackle adjudged a foul and the third was a blatant obstruction preventing a run into their box. The third decision was the worst as the referee accused our player of retaliation for pushing the Patcham player’s hand out of his face – self defence surely ! I realise these are not experienced refs but surely they feel a responsibility to ensure these friendlies are fair. What I have outlined above was so obviously partisan and denied us two goal scoring opportunities.

A few notable mentions, Toby was very commanding in the first half and it was a shame he went off injured. James was again very good and coped well with Patcham’s quick counter attacks. Matthew ran tirelessly and was a real handful for Patcham’s defence. Keane was up and down all game taking up excellent positions in Patcham’s box.

A brilliant collective effort against first division opponents. With improved fitness and greater understanding from playing together in these friendlies, we will become a force to reckon with.

Patcham United Athletic U13s 4 – 4 Willingdon Athletic U13s.

Hello all. Wow where to start with this one 😅…. In 7 years of running this team we never come back from 4-0 down especially when the opponent is DIVISION ONE!!!!!!!!! At halftime I honestly thought it was going to be a cricket score with a rant and a reshuffle we got ourselves together responding incredibly well drawing 4-4 ! 👏👏👏….

So many highlights today …. I thought Oscar and James were brilliant today a vital part of the spine to this team 👏👏…. ok highlights of today …. personally I think that is the best goal Oscar has ever scored unbelievable volley 👏👏👏 to make it 4–1…. The bravery of Anthony to take that penalty at 4-1 great pen 4-2 👏👏…. Patcham rattled. Willingdon senses blood 4-3 great header from Jack from JPs long throw 👏👏 … final few minutes free kick Willingdon long kick from Will , Patcham try to play the offside line Caidens through one on one goal 4-4 👏👏👏👏. What a game and what a comeback, as the boys told me afterwards they wanted to give them a head start 😂👏….

Ok I’ve saved my final praise and most deserved for Matthew Searle player of the match 👏👏👏 Matthews performance today as the lone striker with incredible the way he held up play to involve the on coming players was brilliant to watch 👏 also great use of the channels running into space to free up other players 👏…. Matthew has a hand in all 4 goals today from passing to pressing they could not deal with him !!! … oh we came back from 3-0 last season with Peacehaven guess who we have next Sunday