Match Summary: Sat Nov 11th – Impeesa 2-1 Impala
1st Impeesa returned to football action a month after winning the Cubs 6-a-side tournament and looking forward to the local derby vs 1st Impala. With friends and classmates on both teams it was always going to be an interesting game however it was all played in good spirits and was a good advert for Cub football.
1st Impeesa had 3 more boys making their Cubs debut Charlie, Jack & Sammy to add to the 5 older players from last season and 4 who made their debut in the tournament. The first 10 minutes was a close contest with both sides having chances to score and having to defend in equal measure. Both Joshua and Ben had forced the goalkeeper into making decent saves whilst in defence Callum, Ozan & Sammy were all pressed into making tackles. When the defence was breeched Dylan proved to be in fine form making one excellent save and also rushing off his line to clear the ball with his feet to prevent another opportunity.
The quadruple substitutions did not change the flow of the game and James’ powerful run down the wing was finished in clinical style by Jack to score on debut. 1st Impala responded positively and were level within minutes as the defence was eventually breeched and Dylan had little chance with a good shot. However 1st Impeesa were not disheartened and before the half time break had regained the lead. Jacques pass to James allowed him to powerful run into the box and his shot went into the back of the net with Jack waiting to pounce on any block or rebound.
The 2nd half followed a similar competitive battle with both teams creating chances and relying on good goalkeeping. Ben, Joshua & Charlie all had decent chances to increase the lead. Jacques powerful shot flew just over the crossbar and Tom’s shot was blocked when en route to goal. In defence we saw a last gasp tackle from Ronan and strong tackling from James & Ozan to limit chances on goal. 1st Impala continued to press until the end but could not find the equaliser to deny Impeesa the victory.
At the final whistle there was a sense of relief and friends re-united with handshakes all round from all the players. Man of the Match could have gone to a number of players. A special mention to Dylan who was excellent in goal and also Callum & Ronan for their tenacious defensive display. However on balance it was awarded to Jack for his clinical finish and being a constant threat in front of goal all afternoon.