U8 MTYFC Robins v Chippenham Town Youth 05/04/2008 (Friendly)

The sun disappeared behind grey clouds and there was a fresh wind just before Melksham kicked off for the first half. The early minutes saw Melksham creating early pressure without any clear cut chances, until a Chippenham clearance fell to an advancing Elliott who’s first time shot flew past Chippenham’s goalie right hand. 0:1

Further pressure resulted in a fumble by Chippenham’s keeper; Haken pounced but just shot wide. Chippenham then found their feet but were thwarted by some excellent defending by Elliott who produced some great tackles throughout the game. Kieran then had a long range effort which just missed Adam M's (Special appearance) head and just went wide.

The rest of the half resulted in a stale mate midfield battle. Half time.

Chippenham kicked off the second half and immediately put Melksham under pressure, one sharp shot hit the post, rebounded off Nathan and out for a corner. This corner was never cleared and Chippenham capitalized to earn a well deserved equaliser. 1:1

Another Chippenham attack saw Nathan make an excellent point blank save. Melksham needed to dig deep. Adam and Matthew started to dominate the Chippenham strikers, working the ball forward with help from Ben (special appearance) and Elliott. Haken had a shot and the ball rebounded to William whose shot just went wide. The momentum of the game was now with Melksham and Elliott earned a free kick on the left. Kieren’s free kick was cleared, but only as far as William, whose cross found Haken who brilliantly controlled and finished in style. 1:2

The next five minutes saw some scrappy play until Kieren, wide on the right with three defenders around him saw Haken in lots of space and produced the pass of the game into his path. Haken headed towards goal but was denied what would have been a great goal by the advancing keeper.

The remainder of the game saw Matthew, Elliott and Adam produce some excellent defending to keep Chippenham at bay until the final whistle. Final score 1:2

Reporting from the touchline: Garry Blackmore

Man of the Match: Haken

Matchday Photographer: Michelle Taylor

Message from the Manager 

A big thank you to Adam M & Ben from the Saints for staying behind and being subs today.