Langton Green Comets – Under 10s – 2011/12

January 21, 2012

Friendlies at Ridgewaye

The Comets marched up the St John’s Road to Ridgewaye for a trio of friendly matches to work off some of the Christmas trifle and Quality Street. Ridgewaye has two formidable teams, ranked just above the Comets in the Crowborough League Weald division in fourth and fifth places at mid-season, and with a sprightly Tonbridge Juniors side also making an appearance, the morning’s assignment was tougher than burnt turkey.

Ridgewaye Giants 1 – 1 Comets
Comets goal: John Croft

The Comets impressed from the first whistle against the 5th–placed Ridgewaye Giants. William Harris held strong in the centre of defence, making a series of critical tackles, while Martin Harley and Ben Watts worked tirelessly down the flanks to keep the hosts off balance.

Jamie Hemsley came agonisingly close to scoring the goal of the season so far, when a looping, long-range strike just carried the Ridgewaye crossbar, and the Comets had Thomas Keevil to thank for a half-time scoreline of 0-0, as the Anglo-Dutch keeper slid bravely in to save at the feet of an on-rushing Ridgewaye striker.

The Comets broke the deadlock early in the second half. Archie Barwick made one of his characteristically strong runs down the right wing, beating a Ridgewaye defender before rifling in a low cross. The ball was too hot for the Ridgewaye defence, but not for the flying left wing-back John Croft, who arrived at the far post with perfect timing, controlling the ball deftly before… BAM! John smashed home with his trusty left foot.

Ridgewaye kept battling and deserved their equaliser just before the end of the match, and honours even it ended.

Tonbridge Juniors 3-2 Comets
Comets goals: og, Tom Manuel

This was one that got away (just like your correspondent’s hot chocolate the last time the Comets trod on Ridgewaye turf). Tonbridge could not find a way past a determined Comets defence in the first half, with Toby Ponsford, William Harris and Charlie Atwood standing resolute, and the Comets went into half-time with a 1-0 lead after Jamie Hemsley forced an own goal after a strong run from the right wing and a well placed shot.

Tonbridge started the second half fastest, and while Thomas Keevil saved brilliantly with his legs when it looked like Tonbridge would score, Juniors found their goal when a corner curled straight into the Comets’ net. In a frantic final minutes, the Comets regained the lead when a pass from Jamie set Tom Manuel sprinting down the left side, and Tom duly finished with a measured shot into the far corner.

Just as it looked as if the Comets would prevail, Tonbridge equalised on a counter attack, and then left the Comets stunned when they followed up with a last-second winner.

Ridgewaye Raiders 0 – 1 Comets
Comets Goal: Martin Harley

The Comets shone against Ridgewaye’s Raiders – the fourth-placed team that had defeated the Comets earlier in the season. Sticking to their positions, staying true to their passing game and working hard as a team, the Comets bounced back from the Tonbridge shock with conviction.

The team’s determination was epitomised by the only goal of the game, which came after Martin Harley won the ball with a crunching tackle on a Ridgewaye defender, deep in the Raiders’ half. Martin then zipped into the Ridgewaye penalty box and delivered a scorching shot inside the far past. It was a great moment of individual tenacity, speed and power.

The Comets’ lead was very nearly cancelled out when the referee spotted handball in front of goal and pointed to the spot. Up stepped the Ridgewaye keeper to take the penalty, but while he struck the ball with power, his shot flew over the crossbar to let the Comets off the hook. TK probably had it covered mind, such was his dominant performance throughout the three matches, and he followed up with another brave save at the feet of a charging Raider in the second half.

Ridgewaye piled on the pressure as the last minutes ticked away, and some determined tackles from Toby Ponsford, Archie Barwick, John Croft and midfield anchor William Harris kept the rampaging Raiders at bay.

The Comets had saved the best until last, in a match that left manager Andy Watts congratulating his team on “probably their best performance of the season in the first half”.