Comets Star Against Hurricanes
AFC Henley Hurricanes U11s took advantage of a gap in the schedule to play a friendly match against Twyford Comets.
A bright, sunny morning was a welcome backdrop for AFC Henley Hurricanes U11s latest game, a friendly match away to the Twyford Comets at King George’s Field. The temperature was moderated by a keen wind blowing across the pitch. A succession of planes climbed overhead whilst one or two dog walkers passed by with feet and paws on the ground.
The opening exchanges were evenly matched. Both teams strove to won the ball in midfield, and both defences were efficient. Chances on goal were at a premium. The first effective passing move came from Jack C and Oscar on the right. At the other end, Jack T showed perseverance to win the ball. Captain Nicholas got the pass away despite being surrounded by five red shirts.
Following a brief pause to rescue the ball from the hedge, the Hurricanes started to gain the upper hand. Oscar’s shot was cleared off the line, and Shiva’s follow up was gathered by the keeper. Jack C and Oscar worked well together up front. Oscar’s tantalising ball across the goal went unconverted.
Gradually, the momentum shifted towards the home side. The Comets first shot came from outside the box and was a little wide. Man of the Match Jack T made an important tackle, and Harrison caught a chipped ball.
Last time these teams met, the Comets had twice scored from corners. When they won a corner here, the Hurricanes were alert to the danger. Dominic did well to snuff out the danger.
Further blasts from the Comets followed, one over the bar, one into the side netting and one which drew a great reaction save from Harrison. The first half ended with the Hurricanes working hard to get the ball up the pitch.
The Hurricanes had possession for the first moments of the second half. However, a quick break from the Comets left them exposed at the back. This time the Comets’ strikers made no mistake, putting a powerful shot into the net from close range.
The Comets had their tails up, and more chances followed. The Hurricanes defended resolutely in the face of some high quality passing from their hosts. The Hurricanes did win the ball through good work by Will L and Shiva on the left. Shiva had a shot on goal from outside the area which flew narrowly over the bar. The game finished with the Hurricanes on the defensive and the Comets blasting a shot into orbit from outside the area.
The Hurricanes are on the road again next week, returning to league action.
