Match Report - Twyford Monaco - B U13's 2009/10

Type: ED CUP = Exeter & District Youth League Cup

Twyford Monaco moved into the last eight of the U13 league cup with a 2-1 away win against Okehampton Argyle. The win could be seen as a shock but in reality Monaco were the better side and showed the quality and determination required in a game where there is little between the teams.

Key to the result was the team spirit which is never lacking in this team but showed itself in buckets on a truly miserable morning. The pitch however was very good considering the rain it had taken. There were man of the match performances all through the Monaco team. The maturity, strength and composure that the central defensive partnership of Alex Wright and Jack Zilch was obvious as they coped brilliantly with the threat of very dangerous Okehampton strikers. Tom Haines in goal played like he had glue on his gloves and handled a very slippery ball effortlessly. Aaron Farebrother's central midfield partnership with Tom Roberts had steel and creativity and you could sense that Nick Merriam and Bradley Kelly up front were going to be patient for their chance. Matt Watts showed that he can play in any position and was excellent at right back and had ample help from Anthony Ansell in front of him. Dan Verrier was able to support Matt Gillett at left back but still get forward to cause problems for the opposition.

Even though Monaco played the better football in the first half it was obvious that Okehampton are a very well organised side and kept their shape so Monaco could not create any clear cut chances while defensively Monaco were in no mood to surrender either so they went to the break scoreless.

Haines found himself having to pick the ball out of his net as soon as the second half started which could have spelt trouble for Monaco having to get back into a game playing uphill, against the wind and an Okehampton team with an excellent home record. Instead it spurred them on. Merriam collected a pass from sub Richard Sandiford and found himself with a rare opportunity to turn and run at the defence. He got free down the right and sent in a low ball into the box where Verrier had timed his run to perfection to slam the ball home.

As the game looked like it might be going to extra time Merriam turned his defender and sent his shot into the top corner. Okehampton pressed for the remaining minutes but Monaco were not going to surrender and battled as if their lives depended on it.

The result shows again the steady progression of a group of lads who have great spirit and belief in themselves to play and beat the best teams in the area.

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