by Ron Hudson

Jays Boys 3
Wadham 4
U14s Echo League C Division

Jays, who had not lost for a couple of seasons, were promoted with Wadham last year and sat top of the league before this game, so it was a big surprise for Jays when Wadham came away with all three points.

Wadham had to be up for this game from the start and both teams gave a good account of themselves early on.

Unfortunately the visitors were unlucky to go a goal behind when an in-direct free kick was awarded to Jays and although it was a super strike it should not have counted as no one had touch the ball as it nestled in the back of the net.

Wadham levelled soon after through a Jack C glanced header. In fact the visitors could have taken a lead as Jack C hit the base of the post with the keeper a spectator.

At the other end, Keeper Joe C was in fine form touching a shot against the bar as the ball was goal bound. The defence came under heavy pressure and Cameron F-N made a couple of last ditch tackles to keep Wadham in it.

Wadham defended as a unit and praise must go to Keeper Joe C, Thomas H, James D, Cameron F-N, Captain Srinivass B and Jamie G.

As the game progressed Wadham took a shock lead as Jack S, Johnny E and Marcelo T-M combined to set up Jack C who rammed home to take the visitors into a half time lead.

Jack C was working tirelessly up front chasing everything including lost causes.

Jays came out fighting and put enormous pressure on the Wadham defence and quickly equalised to set up a mouth watering finish.

A touch of magic from Jack C completed his hat-trick as he took Wadham into the lead again as he took on the whole of the Jays defence taking on one player, beating another and then another to round the on-coming keeper for a simple conversion.

It was a shame that Wadham could not hold onto the their lead for too long as the home side made it 3-3 almost immediately.

Jays then got their tails up and would have taken the lead had it not been for a couple of saves from Joe C including a timely block.

As a draw looked on the cards Jack C missed his easiest chance of all but it was left to substitute Robert R who received the ball on the edge of the box and let rip firing past the keeper to send the travelling supports wild.

Robert also had time to clear off his own line to keep the one goal advantage.

Make no mistake this was a tough game and the boys were under pressure for long periods of the game showing immense character and when they were allowed to get the ball down and play they looked like they could have scored with every attack.

This was a great team performance and a special mention should go to Keeper Joe C through to defenders Cameron F-N, Srinivass B Naill J-H and striker Jack C.

Team: Joe C, Thomas H, James D, Naill J-H, Cameron F-N, Srinivass B, Jamie G, Johnny E, Jack C, Jack S, Marcelo T-M, Goksal R, Robert R, Jack D.

Elsewhere Wadham U13's A smashed Redbridge United 6-3 with goals from Ian M-K (2), Danilo M (2) Micah M and Thomas L taking Wadham to the top of the Echo League B Divison.

Wadham U10's A beat Barking Colts 3-1 with goals from Man of the Match Steven O (2) and Riley B.

Another visit to Jays Boys for Wadham as the U12's won 3-1.