U8 MTYFC Robins v Chippenham Town Youth 12/04/2008 ( Friendly )

Robins were expecting another close match with their local rivals Chippenham after the previous weeks narrow victory.

Coach Darren had to make many changes for this match with 4 regular players unavailable.The conditions were dry with a fresh wind and the pitch was firm.

Robins pressed straight from kick off dominating the early possession with Josh L making his Robins debut in midfield and settling in very well. Despite their early pressure they weren't able to trouble the Chippenham keeper. Then on 8 mins against the run of play Chippenham unlocked the Robins defence with an accurate through ball that Chippenham ran on to and tucked away past a diving Nathan to make it 1-0. Darren decided to make a double substitution bringing on Lee & Luke for their Robins debut, almost straight away Lee had Robins best effort of the game so far with a shot from distance that the goalie saved well, Luke settled well into a defensive roll along side Elliott & Adam. Soon after Kieren let fly from distance only to be denied by a brave defender's block. On 15 mins it was Chippenham's turn to have a long range strike that Nathan turned around the post. With half time approaching Kieren found himself wide on the right and played a wonderful ball into the path of an advancing Haken inside the penalty area who slotted it home to make it 1-1 at half time.

The 2nd half began with Chippenham on top, 5 mins into the half they worked the ball down the flank & drilled in a low shot from a very acute angle that squeezed pass Nathan to make it 2-1 and restore Chippenham's lead. Robins responded well with Josh L & Haken linking up well and both were denied by some excellent alert goalkeeping.

Midway through the half Robins won a free kick near to the touchline 25 yds from goal, Kieren sent in a superb shot that the goalie couldn't hold on to, Haken got to the ball 1st and neatly finished to make it 2-2. Robins started pushing for the winner Adam M ( guest appearance ) had a shot well saved also Lee had an effort inches wide. It was then Chippenham's turn to look for the winner with an intense spell Adam was tackling furiously  Nathan had to make 3 important saves in quick succession. With 2 minutes left on the clock Elliott won a tackle on the half way line he pressed forward down the flank skipped passed 2 Chippenham players cut back in towards goal and sent a low shot into the corner of the net to give the Robins the lead 3-2. There was very little time left but as Chippenham piled forward Haken caught them on the counterattack and was clean through only to be brought down for a penalty, Haken stepped up and struck it superbly only to be thwarted by an amazing goalkeeping save. The final whistle followed Robins winning 3-2.

Man of the match: Nathan

Reporting from the touchline: Nigel Rivers

Matchday Photographer:  Michelle Taylor