Broomfield Saxons v Sporting 77 Iguanas

A positive start to the game saw Iguanas threaten early, with some nice passing between Rafe and Zach, and Zach getting a shot on goal. Iguanas kept the pressure up and Zach was denied again by a brilliant save from the Broomfield keeper. Broomfield broke into Iguanas’ half, but Jayden defended well and managed to get the ball through to Zach and on to Rafe. Rafe took a shot from outside the area and put Iguanas ahead in a game for the first time this season.

Broomfield pressed for an equaliser, forcing some great saves from Oliver with Jayden working hard in defence. Jake was getting back and made a couple of brave tackles to keep the score at 1-0, but eventually Broomfield broke through and three goals in quick succession saw them go ahead. Just as Iguanas regained their composure, a shot from Broomfield took an unlucky bounce beyond Ollie’s reach to take it to 4-1.

A full team substitution saw Cole, Ethan Aurora, Fearne-Dolly and Lewis on for the rest of the half. Lewis got involved right away and was putting in some good tackles, and Cole’s strength on the ball looked threatening. Broomfield had a another spell of pressure with Aurora making some brave saves in goal. Ethan held his defensive position well and pushed players wide, preventing Broomfield from having a clear shot on goal.

Iguanas pushed forward and a free kick from Cole went just wide. Iguanas kept at it, with some nice play between Fearne-Dolly, Lewis and Cole and at last their persistence was rewarded. A lovely pass from Lewis found Cole who struck confidently to bring Iguanas tally to two.

Iguanas were back in their own half, defending a free kick which went wide. Ethan continued to close out Broomfield but a lucky break saw them have a shot on goal. Aurora made a brave save, coming out to feet and denying them another goal.

Aurora and Cole worked together on goal kicks, with Aurora making a short pass to Cole so that he could fire it into the opposition half. This showed good cooperation and respect for each others skills, great to see.

Fearne-Dolly, Lewis and Cole continued to push, and all had chances which just wouldn’t come right. Undeterred, they kept working hard. Cole managed another great shot on goal before half time, which was saved well by the Broomfield keeper.

After the break, Oliver, Jake, Jayden, Zach and Rafe started on the field. Broomfield began the half strongly, and a spell of pressure which resulted in two quick goals.

Jayden was working hard in defence with Jake supporting and trying to get the ball up to Zach and Rafe. Broomfield were attacking strongly and Jayden made some mature clearances, putting the ball out for a thrown in to give Iguanas a bit of breathing space.

Jake put together two great runs in quick succession, but was denied a goal both times. Suddenly Broomfield were on the counter attack and managed to score another. Zach was working hard to find a way through the Broomfield defence and almost scored from the kick off, with his shot being saved on the line. However luck was not with us today and our shots were not converting to goals.

Broomfield scored another, having hit on a winning formula of keeping a man back and getting a long ball to him, leaving him one on one with Oliver. It was looking dangerous for Iguanas as another Broomfield goal went in.

Zach, Jake and Rafe tried to find a way through, and a flurry of shots saw Zach hit the side netting and both Jake and Zach having shots saved.

All change again as Cole, Lewis, Fearne-Dolly, Ethan and Aurora came on. Again Cole’s strength shone through as he pushed the Broomfield defence, with some nice movement from Fearne-Dolly and Lewis in support. Again all three had chances, but a third goal wouldn’t come for Iguanas.

Cole shot across goal and from the resulting goal kick Broomfield were able to score another, despite some great defending from Ethan. Broomfield were straight on the attack with another good save from Aurora.

The last few minutes saw another chance for Iguanas to attack, with a lovely quick and well placed throw in from Fearne-Dolly leading to another shot for Cole that went just wide. The closing moments saw a great goal from Broomfield, an unstoppable shot to add to their tally.

The final score did not do Iguanas justice, who played positively and were short on luck when it came to finishing today.

Man of the match - Cole, who showed great strength and determination both up up front and getting back to defend. Well done Cole and well done Iguanas!