Iguanas v Braintree Youth

Cole 3
Zach 1

Iguanas’ league game was cancelled at short notice this week, but rather than miss a chance to get more match time under our belt a friendly was quickly arranged against Braintree Town, currently playing in the league above Iguanas. As the players prepared to kick off in the bright but blustery sunshine, spectators couldn’t fail to comment on the smart attire of today’s ref (Dave!) complete with new red and yellow cards in his top pocket.

A bright start from both sides promised a good game was in store. Jayden, playing in a defensive position for the first time this season, immediately stepped up to the role and made some important tackles as the first few chances of the match fell to Braintree Town. Oliver in goal was pressed into action and made a couple of great saves to steady the nerves as Iguanas found their feet in the game.

Cole was doing a great job getting the ball forward but also knowing when to track back and support. Jayden was strong in his unfamiliar position and was chasing down every attack, and tackling hard and knowing when to get the ball clear. Cole continued to get the ball forward to Lewis and Maddison, who both had shots saved. Jayden had a great shot from distance and into the wind that looked for a moment as though is was going to dip under the cross bar but in the end went just over. More chances fell to Lewis and Maddison but it was Cole who opened up the scoring with an absolutely cracking free kick to take Iguanas one nil in front.

Almost immediately Braintree Town equalised. Zach and Fearne Dolly came on for Lewis and Maddison. Great tracking back from Jayden, using his speed to chase down and clear the ball bought Iguanas a moment regroup, but Braintree Town pressed hard for a second goal. A last ditch clearance from Zach on the goal line from a corner kept the score level, but moments later a belter of a shot took Braintree Town ahead, which Oli did brilliantly to get a hand to but couldn’t keep it out of the net. A minute later a third goal for Braintree Town snuck in leaving Iguanas trailing 1-3.

Time for fresh legs as Rafe and Ethan came on for Jayden and Cole. With a strong wind behind them Braintree bagged another to take the score to 1-4, and after being ahead Iguanas now had a mountain to climb, despite creating plenty of chances of their own and giving a good account of themselves all round.

Rafe was working hard in midfield and made a couple of tackles to try and get the ball forward to Zach. Ethan was typically strong at the back, never afraid to make the tackle and clear the ball. As the half drew to a close a great chance fell to Rafe but he couldn’t quite get enough power on it into the wind and his shot went wide just as the half time whistle blew.

The second half saw both teams agree to play 6-a-side. A positive start for Iguanas saw early pressure on the Braintree Town defence, with a couple of chances for Zach. Oli couldn’t relax at the other end, making a great save to keep the score line at 1-4. A lovely piece of play between Maddison and Zach lead to a great goal for Zach, bring the score to 2-4 to Braintree Town.

Almost immediately Braintree Town were on the counter attack and took the score to 2-5. Iguanas kept their heads up, perhaps sensing that the score line was not reflective of their performance, and threw everything they had at the game. Jayden continued to impress in defence, despite Braintree Town’s lively forward making his job difficult, and Cole, Zach, Maddison and Lewis were passing the ball well in the Braintree half. A shot from Lewis was cleared for a Iguanas corner, and Coles curling delivery found its way into the back of the net to narrow the score to 3-5.

The third goal gave Iguanas a renewed energy, with a good chance for Lewis going wide and another decent corner scrambled clear by Braintree Town. Rafe came on for Zach, and a couple of nicely worked throw- ins down the line between Rafe, Maddison and Jayden kept the pressure up. Another great chance fell to Lewis who had his shot saved. The momentum felt like it was back with Iguanas.

With Fearne-Dolly and Ethan on for Jayden and Maddison, Cole went close for his hat trick but the ball went wide. Braintree Town bagged a sixth goal to keep Iguanas on their toes. Undeterred, Iguanas continued to battle hard, with Fearne-Dolly making a brave tackle to halt another Braintree Town attack in its tracks, and Rafe also getting stuck in with a good tackle of his own. Oli made a great save from a shot that took an awkward bobble in front of goal.

Some stellar defending by Ethan and a big kick from Oli sent Iguanas forward again and Cole managed to get on the end of a great pass to find the back of the net for his hat trick. A great reward for Cole’s consistent high effort in the match, going after every ball and always looking like he could score.

In the last few minutes of the half Iguanas pushed for another goal and Rafe was unlucky not to get in the end of another great corner from Zach. Final score Iguanas 4 Braintree Town 6.

Iguana of the match - Jayden. A fantastic performance in an unfamiliar position, Jayden did everything that was asked of him and more today, it was great to see him playing so confidently. Well done Jayden and well done Iguanas!