Saturday 28th January

Langton Giants 4 – 0 Wadhurst United

Bertie x 2, Brodie, Henry

Langton Giants 5 – 0 Wadhurst Rovers

Sid x 3, Bertie, Brodie

It would appear that the Crowborough Junior Football League has taken on the continental approach of having a mid winter break, as for the second year in a row we’ve had a near two month break between games. It didn’t show with the Giants today though, as they played their best football ever against two strong Wadhurst sides. The passing was something to behold and the team work first class. The first game saw the boys gets off to a flyer, with Bertie tapping in Brodie’s cross within the first minute of the start, and within a few minutes it was two as Bertie got his second following a great passing move between Sid and Tom. The rest of the half saw more chances created, with Sid instrumental in every attack. Henry, Sam and Nicholas were dominating the defensive end as the half finished with the 2 nil scoreline in tact. James came out field in the second half, and put in several strong tackles, one of which led to Tom going on a strong run before he released Brodie who smashed the ball home from the edge of the box into the top corner. Sam was showing great energy in midfield and Nicholas set Brodie away excellently who crossed for Tom. Tom just missed getting his head on it, but Henry collected the ball at the edge of the box before unleashing a ferocious unstoppable drive into the opposite corner. Henry doesn’t score many goals, being a defender, but when he does they tend to be very special (he won Goal of the Season last year).

The second game was against the stronger Wadhurst side, and the first half was very competitive. All the boys worked hard and passed the ball beautifully but the opening wasn’t coming. Then with a few minutes left in the half, Bertie swung in a corner and Brodie bravely slotted home from close in to open the scoring. This seemed to fill the Giants with confidence, as within a minute they were two up following the best passing move of the game, day, season and probably Giants history! Sid finished it with aplomb, but this was a team goal, with 5 players touching the ball and the last three being one touch to feet. The manager almost went home, it could only go downhill from that. And downhill it might well have been had it not been for three brilliant bits of defensive play at the start of the second half. It started with a excellent goal line stop from Nicholas, bravely taking one in the neck for the team, this was followed by a diving mid air block from Brodie, and then finally James pulled of an extraordinary save with his finger tips as a rocket shot sailed to the top corner for what looked like a definite goal. In a season of great saves from James, this was the top of the lot. Not happy with that, James then sent a long free kick forward, which was knocked on by Nicholas to Bertie who finished beautifully. Sid mopped up two more goals that his outstanding hold up play deserved, thanks to setups from Tom and Henry.

A great days football, 2 brilliant performances, 8 outstanding footballers, 1 very happy manager. All of them deserved it, but Bertie had to be player of the week, given how he has played at that level every single week of the season.

Saturday 3rd December

Chipstead A   1 – 0   Langton Giants

Chipstead B   0 – 3   Langton Giants

Sid x 2, Bertie

The mighty Giants were back on the road for their final games before Xmas, away at Chipstead who are always a very strong club. Despite this, its fair to say that the boys dominated both matches, and the day as a whole summed up what a funny old game football can be.

The first game saw the Giants constantly parked in the Chipstead half, with Henry, Jack and Nicholas defending so well the forward players were able to push forward at will, and they did with style, passing the ball beautifully and creating chance after chance. The Chipstead ‘keeper was excellent, saving time and time again from good shots from Sid, Bertie, Tom and Brodie. One save from a long range direct free kick by Brodie was just brilliant. Just before half time, Chipstead broke free for the first time in the match and squeezed a well hit shot into the bottom corner that gave the faultless James no chance in goal. The second half was much the same, although James was called upon to make a couple of smart saves as the Giants pushed forward looking for an equaliser that wasn’t forthcoming. You’ll have to watch a lot of football to see a team lose a game they’ve dominated by so much, but the boys deserve great credit for the football they played and certainly so do the Chipstead boys for their determination, defending and first class goalkeeping. Also, a special mention to the Labrador who decided to join in during the second half, showing some nifty footwork…. it’s a pity its owner couldn’t hold on to a lead the way the Chipstead boys did (sorry!).

The Giants continued the great play in the second match, and were finally rewarded with some goals! Sid found the bottom corner with a firm strike from a tight angle following some good work from Bertie, which he then bettered with a magnificent volley into the top corner from distance for a stunning second goal. More chances came and went, Brodie nearly scoring with both a header and an audacious over head kick. Henry, Sam and Jack were crunching into tackles and Tom was masterful in midfield. Bertie had been his normal brilliant self in both games and thoroughly deserved his goal to make it three nil, with a good finish following a excellent pass from Sid. Several other chances came, many from the astonishing goal kicks from James which were causing the Chipstead defenders problems every time, but no more goals were to be found.

However, a very special mention indeed must go to Nicholas, who kindly filled in for the Redhawks who were missing a few players, and scored a very good goal for them… WELL DONE NICHOLAS. Also, the same thanks and congratulations go to Sam, who also played one match for the Redhawks, and very well for the Giants, and as such was the deserved winner of the Star Player of the Week award.

It’s fair to say that 2011 has been a very successful year for the Giants, with their record for the calendar year (in all comps) reading: Played: 59 Won: 41 Draw: 11 Lost: 7. Roll on more fun, great football and success in 2012.

Saturday 26th November

Langton Giants 1 – 0 Sevenoaks Town Hawks

Tom

Langton Giants 2 – 0 Sevenoaks Town Eagles

Bertie, Sid

Two good wins against two good Sevenoaks teams this morning. The boys started the first game well, dominating possession and passing the ball beautifully. Henry and Jack were strong in defence to make sure that when the opposition did come forward James was untroubled in goal. Tom broke in midfield, passed the ball forward to Sid who laid it into the path of the on rushing Brodie  who first time put Tom in on goal. He still had a lot of work to do, and did it with style, beating the last defender by switching to his left foot and finishing powerfully under the ‘keeper’s dive.  Brodie, Bertie and Sid all had chances to score a second, and Tom almost scored with a header from a dangerous Brodie corner. Nicholas came on and put in some crunching tackles. The second half saw Sevenoaks come into the game a bit more, and Sam was called upon to make several last ditch tackles which he did with aplomb. Jack was running hard, now in midfield, and Henry’s move to striker nearly bought him a goal. It looked like we were coasting to victory when, with just over a minute left, the result was thrown up in the air when we conceded a penalty for an unfortunate handball.

The tall Sevenoaks player stepped up and hit a firm shot to Jame’s right, which somehow the Giants No.1 get a hand to and kept out, the rebound fell back at the feet of  the striker who smacked the ball into the opposite only for James to recover and save AGAIN, this time pushing the ball round the post for a corner. It was a stunning bit of goalkeeping that had everyone slightly shocked. Sevenoaks nearly scored again from the resulting corner, thanks to James having to deal with several team mates still hugging him, but the boys stood firm and held on for a well deserved victory.

For the record, so far this season James has scored and saved the only penalties we’ve conceded or been awarded. What with that record and strikingly blond hair, the manager is starting to suspect Germanic influences in his blood line!

The second game was a little less frantic, with the boys grabbing a goal in either half. The first came from Bertie, after a fine run and finish at the second attempt following an excellent tackle and pass from Nicholas. James was now playing outfield, and was putting himself about in defence with some well timed interceptions. Sam went in goal and looked confident, taking some very good goal kicks. Brodie was non stop running down the right wing and put some excellent crosses in, almost scoring after a good run and shot. Sid was continuing to put his team mates in with his lay-offs, and the Henry/Jack defensive axis stood as firm as ever. The second goal was a master piece. It started with Tom in his own penalty box, turning on a sixpence and beating three Sevenoaks players before playing to ball down the left wing to Bertie who set Sid through on goal with an excellent first time pass and the speedy striker did the rest, slotting the ball under the on-rushing goalkeeper.

Well done to the boys for another couple of great performances. Sid thoroughly deserved the Star Player of the week award for his first class striker play, holding the ball up, laying it off to his team mates and working his socks off for the team in both matches.

 

Saturday 19th November

Tonbridge Juniors Ferrari 0 – 0 Langton Giants

Tonbridge Juniors Porsche 1 – 3 Langton Giants

Bertie, Sid, o.g

On a lovely morning for football, the Giants travelled to play the Tonbridge Juniors on their always excellent pitches. The nice flat and slick playing surface suits the Giants passing game and this was displayed most clearly in the first game, with the inter-passing reaching previously unseen levels. Quite how no goals were scored is almost beyond comprehension, as time and time again the Giants weaved in and out of the ferrari defenders, only to be thwarted by last ditch tackles or great saves. One particular move saw James in goal passing the ball out to Sam, who first time knocked it down the line to Brodie who exchanged 1 touch passes with Tom before crossing for Sid who hit the target with a first time shot that was well saved. Nicholas hit a cracking shot that was well saved, and Brodie saw a scrambled effort cleared off the line. Bertie was delivering fantastic corners, causing havoc in the Tonbridge defence, from which both Tom and Brodie went close with headers.

Despite the lack of goals, it was the teams finest display of the season, but one that would have seen them lose in the last minute had it not been for a simply stunning save from James. From practically their only attack of the game, a ferrari player hit a sweet shot that was arrowing into the top corner at pace when the Gants No.1 leapt to his left and clawed out what looked a certain goal. Not happy with that, he then jumped to his feet and knocked the ball away from an incoming attacker who was looking to put in the rebound. Making such a save after having nothing to do all game is a sign of a great goalkeeper…. well done James, and well done all the boys for such a good performance.

The second game started a little slower, but Henry, Sam and Nicholas were all tackling strongly to ensure James wasn’t troubled in goal. No goals came in the first half and it was starting to feel like it was going to be one of those days. That all changed within a minute of the restart though, Sid ran strongly to win a corner. This time it was from the right, so Brodie took on corner taking duties and his in-swinging effort deflected off the foot of a Porsche defender to give the boys a deserved lead. Tom’s passing was creating space for the others and as Tonbridge defended desperately another corner was won. Again it was from the right, and again it was a great delivery from Brodie which was brilliantly finished into the bottom corner from Bertie. Just when it looked like the boys could relax a bit, Tonbridge got one back, with a very well struck free kick that gave the unsighted James no chance in goal. Any nerves were soon calmed though, when Sid, spotting the ‘keeper off his line, lobbed a fantastic shot into the top corner to make it 1-3 to the Giants. There was still time for Nicholas to make a crunching tackle and set Sid away, only for the Tonbridge goalie to handle the ball outside of the box. Brodie’s resulting free kick was just inches over the bar.

Well done to the boys, really great play from all of them, with this weeks Star Player award going to Tom for an inspirational display of outstanding passing,

 

Saturday 5th November

Langton Giants  2 – 1  Sevenoaks Town United

Brodie. Bertie

Langton Giants 0 – 1 Sevenoaks Town Rovers

Everybody was very grateful that today’s matches were able to go ahead despite a lot of rain in the week, especially as they turned into such cracking games! Both Sevenoaks teams were very strong and well organised. The first match, against United, saw the Giants start off on top, creating several chances that were well saved by a very good goalkeeper. Sid went close, as did Tom and Henry, Nicholas and Sam were keeping things tight at the back. The breakthrough came when Jack broke free and set up a chance for Bertie who saw his shot brilliantly saved by the Sevenoaks ‘keeper, only for Brodie to follow up with a well struck shot into the roof of the net. In the final seconds before half time, the Giants were badly caught out by a long throw in, only partially clearing before a Sevenoaks player hit a fantastic shot into the top corner from the edge of the box that gave James no chance, a fabulous goal. This seemed to raise the confidence of the United team as they came back into the game well in the second half, and the Giants were grateful to some excellent goalkeeping of their own from James. Just when it looked like it was going to finish a draw, the Giants won a coner, and Bertie’s in swinger ended up in the back of the net despite the best efforts of the goalkeeper. It was very harsh on Sevenoaks, but they took the disappointment very sportingly.

The second game saw the Giants for the second week in a row come up against a very strong team, with a particularly impressive player. Before the game the Giants lads were a little concerned about the size of some of the Rovers players (they breed them big in Sevenoaks!) but it was the smallest player on the pitch who it turned out was the biggest handful. It was he who weaved himself through the Giants defence to score what turned out to be the only goal of the game. The reason for this was predominately down to good old fashioned hardwork from the boys, determined tackling, and top class goalkeeping from James, who was called on time and time again, and wasn’t found wanting. The Rovers team passed the ball beautifully, and it took every ounce of effort from all the boys to stay in the game. A couple of half chances went begging. Tom, Sid and Bertie were running their socks off and Brodie was tackling everything in sight. Henry, Sam and Nicholas defended like demons as the boys worked hard to match their impressive opponents. Sevenoaks were deserved winners in a tight game, but the Giants boys earned a lot of credit for their performances.

9 very tired boys, especially those who had already played for their school before hand, who all worked their socks off. Star Player of the Week went to Brodie, with his effort levels epitomising those of his team mates the most.

 

Saturday 29th October

Langton Giants 1 – 3 Rusthall Tigers

Tom

Langton Giants 6 – 0 Rusthall Lions

Bertie x 3, Sam x 2, Brodie

An excellent mornings football at ‘The Home of Football’ this morning against our friends from just up the road, Rusthall. The start was something of a shock for the boys as they conceded within the first 30 seconds. Straight from the start, Rusthall broke and won a corner. The corner was whipped in and headed into the top corner, a very, very good goal. The Giants looked a bit shell shocked, and within a couple of minutes the Rustall lead was doubled following a bit of a defensive mix up and a fine finish, then just before half time the Giants found themselves in the unusual position of being three nil down when Rusthall’s star player struck an incredible shot into the top corner from distance. In between these goals, Rusthall created numerous chances but were thwarted by the outstanding James in goal, who single handedly stopped it turning into a rout. He made several great saves, with one of them a truly brilliant piece of goalkeeping.

Half time couldn’t come soon enough, and with it came a change of formation. With Sid missing this week, Tom had started in his place up front, and was sorely missed from midfield, so in the second half he reverted back into the middle and the team started to play. The passing in the second half was a hundred times better than the first, and it changed the game, suddenly the Giants were competing. Henry, Jack and Tom were tackling strongly, Brodie and Bertie were passing and Nicholas was getting stuck in. The boys pushed forward and got a deserved goal back just before the end, scored by Tom with a good strike from a Bertie corner. So the first defeat of the Under 8′s season, against a very good team who had one quite outstanding player who made all the difference. Well done though boys for showing great character and fighting back to at least win the second half.

The Giants carried the improved play into the second match, and this time it was their turn to score early, with the new kick-off routine bringing instant results when Bertie finished off Brodie’s pass to give the boys the lead. In no time it was two, as Jack (now playing upfront), hustled and bustled his way through the Rusthall defence to set up Bertie again, this time lobbing the ‘keeper with his right foot (Berties is left footed) to make it two. Jack was outstanding in this game, with non-stop running, tackling and determination, with his selfless play creating several more chances for Brodie and Bertie who both went close to scoring. Tom was controlling the game from midfield, and Henry marshalling the defence as effectively as ever. The second half saw the best football of the day from the boys. It started off with Bertie grabbing his hatrick following a great set up by Jack (again!) and then Sam setting up Brodie to slot in the 4th. Sam was now playing up front, with Henry and Nicholas in midfield and all three of them played brilliantly for the last five minutes, setting up chance after chance. Sam slid in at the far post to follow up a Jack shot to score his first goal of the season, which was followed by a flamboyant run and knee slide celebration! He obviously got the taste for it, because a couple of minutes later he scored his second, this time with a run and shot from a tight angle that just crossed the line….. cue more wild celebrations and team mates jumping all over him. Henry showed incredible levels of selflessness in the last minute, choosing to pass when 4 yards out, perhaps the Managers constant preaching about passing has gone too far!!

Well done boys, a great recovery today from a dodgy start. Star Player of the Week was thoroughly well deserved by Jack for his excellent performances in both games.

 

Saturday 15th October 

Ridgeway Rockets 0 – 2 Langton Giants

Brodie, James

Ridgeway United 1 – 2 Langton Giants

Sid, Bertie

A couple of very tough games this morning for the Giants, against two very well organised Ridgeway teams. The boys started well, creating chance after chance in the first game, but unable to get the ball in the net, Brodie, Bertie, Tom and Sid all had great efforts that somehow stayed out. The 0-0 half time score didn’t reflect the match, so it was a great relief when Brodie opened the scoring with a great shot from fully 20 yards out into the bottom corner soon after the restart. A minute or two later, he nearly wrapped things up with an astonishing effort from his own half that struck the post! More chances came and went, and as the game went on Ridgeway started to come into the game more and had it not been for some brilliant defending from Henry, Nicholas and Sam could well have conceded an equaliser. With a couple of minutes to go, James dived bravely on the ball just as it looked like the Ridgeway striker was about to put it away. From the resulting kick from James, Bertie was away only to see his cross handled by a Ridgeway defender in the box. In what could be considered a slightly unusual move, the Giants manager sent Goalkeeper James forward to take the crucial kick. This was no act of kindness or madness, it was purely tactical, as the manager recalled James being the ‘Penalty King’ in a tournament earlier in the summer, and the decision was fully justified when James sent an unstoppable strike firmly into the corner with the last kick of the match to seal the well deserved victory.

The second game was a far different affair, against the stronger of the two Ridgeway teams. The Giants struggled to get their passing game together, and as a result needed to defend more than usual and keep their shape, both of which they did brilliantly. Henry and Nicholas stood firm, and Sam had his best game of the season so far with some excellently timed tackles and interceptions. In a tight game, Tom somehow managed to find some space and send a brilliant pass through to the on rushing Sid, who finished expertly as ever with his left foot. Just before half time, the Giants conceded only their second goal of the season at Under 8 level when Ridgeway scored an outstanding goal in the top corner from outside the box, giving even the brilliant James absolutely no chance. The second half was a real battle, with both teams having chances to win the game, so it was with great relief when Bertie picked up a superb reverse pass from Brodie inside the box to slot home an excellent winning goal at the near post. The defence stood strong for the last few minutes to secure a well earned victory.

The Giants weren’t at their very best today, so it was great credit to each of them for the determination and effort shown to win both games against good sides. The Star Player of the Week had to be James, for his faultless display in goal and for holding his nerve to score the all important penalty, well done James!

Saturday 8th October 

Wadhurst Rovers 0 – 3 Langton Giants

Brodie x 2, Sid

Wadhurst United 0 – 4 Langton Giants

Bertie, Tom, Jack, O.G

The Giants travelled for their first away games of the season to Wadhurst. The matches were played on very small pitches, but this didn’t stop the Giants from passing the ball as well as ever despite the tighter spaces available. The boys got off to a flying start when last seasons top scorer, Brodie, grabbed his first goals of this season with a double strike, both from excellent corners from Bertie’s brilliant left foot. The first one came after the initial corner was blocked, but Bertie sent the ball back in and Brodie hit an unstoppable shot into the top corner. The second was much simpler for him as Bertie put it on a plate for him to tap in from a yard out. Henry and Jack continued their fine recent form in defence by protecting the confident James in goal. On the few occasions they did break through, James’ handling was as efficient as ever. Tom was doing a great job pushing the team forward, and Nicholas came on and sent Sid away with almost his first touch, it was a brilliant pass that left Sid with just the ‘keeper to beat, which he did with a fine finish. James came out of goal in the second half and played up front, with Sam, Jack and Nicholas putting the Wadhurst defence under almost constant pressure. There were no further goals but a fine win all the same.

The boys took a bit longer to get going in the second match. Tom was extremely unlucky to hit the post after a fine run, and a few other chances went begging before a Wadhurst defender unfortunately headed a Brodie corner into his own net to give the Giants a 1 nil half time lead (get away from the keyboard Brodie, it was an OWN GOAL, you can’t claim it!). Sam was defending brilliantly and putting in some excellent passes out of defence, and it was if there were several Nicholas clones on the pitch, as he appeared to be everywhere. The level of defending from Henry was reaching even newer heights, totally dominating that half of the pitch which allowed the forward players to push on, and how they did. First it was the turn of Bertie, to run at the defence for the umpteenth time of the day and this time slam a cracking shot into the top corner. Next it was Tom, whose tireless running got the goal he thoroughly deserved after he jinked by 4 defenders before slotting in to the bottom corner for a fantastic individual goal (think Ricky Villa 1981 FA Cup Final – kids look it up on Youtube). The day was finished in perfect fashion when Jack scored with a great goal of his own, winning the ball with a crunching tackle and finishing perfectly under the dive of the despairing goalkeeper. For all the great passing and finishing though, it was the incredible goal kicks from James that was probably to most dangerous attacking tactic the boys had, nearly scoring on one occasion and causing havoc every time!

Once again, choosing the Star Player of the Week award was almost impossible, but this week it went to Nicholas, who thoroughly deserved it for running his socks off in both games despite being poorly enough in the week to warrant a hospital visit. Well done Nicholas, and well done the Giants

Saturday 1st October

Langton Giants 1 – 2 Tonbridge Invicta Spitfires (Under 9′s)

Sid

Langton Giants 2 – 2 Tonbridge Invicta Hurricanes (Under 9′s)

Sid, Tom

Wow….. what a morning.

Today saw the Giants fill in at under 9 level as a favour to that age group who were unable to fulfil the fixture, this was a step up to a higher age group, playing against older and bigger boys, in longer matches and even with a bigger ball! Despite all these challenges (not to mention the extreme heat), the Giants produced possibly their best football ever with two astonishingly good performances. Rather than being intimidated by the age difference they all rose to the challenge.

The first game saw the Giants come flying out of the blocks, pouring forward and passing the ball beautifully. Brodie won a tough tackle in the middle of the pitch and sent a perfectly weighted pass through to the on rushing Sid who finished clinically into the bottom corner to give the Giants a well deserved lead. Invicta started to come into the game more as the half wore on and grabbed a well worked equaliser just before half time. Second half was real end to end stuff, with Henry and Jack outstanding in defence for the second week running, and Nicholas and Sam flying into tackles all over the park. Unfortunately the Giants came up against a very good goalkeeper, who kept out fine efforts from Bertie, Tom and Brodie and tipped a great shot from Sid onto the post. Nicholas almost put the boys back in front with a stunning strike from a cleared corner that missed by inches. As the boys pushed forward looking for a winner they were caught with a sucker punch break away goal that left the faultless James no chance in goal. A cracking performance from the boys in a game that they were very unlucky to end up losing.

If the performance in the first game was good, the performance in the second game was nothing short of outstanding. Bertie, Brodie and Tom totally dominated the midfield, making a mockery of the age and size difference, Henry and Jack were controlling the defence and Sid leading the line as effectively as ever. Sam had taken over in goal, and got off to a great start when his amazing goal kick put Sid through on goal, who used his pace to run clear of the defenders and finish calmly to take the lead. Bertie was causing havoc on the left wing, ably supported by the brave and determined Nicholas behind him. More chances came and went, as the Giants were in complete control. Early in the second half, the Giants were defending a corner, and following a good tackle by James, Bertie ran clear and carried the ball half the length of the pitch before releasing Tom through on goal, his first effort was well saved but Tom calmly put the rebound away with his left foot to give the boys a scoreline more reflective of their performance. For the next 10 mins, Jack, James and Nicholas were getting stuck in and pushing the team forward, James setting up a chance for Tom with an excellent pass, which the keeper did well to keep out. Then with 5 mins remaining and completely against the run of play Invicta got a goal back, as the Giants started to tire. The longer matches, hot sun and bigger opposition were starting to take their toll (and playing up a steep slope!) and it was disappointing that they conceded a late equaliser, despite a great initial save from Sam, to deny them what would have been a thoroughly deserved victory.

All in all a cracking mornings football, that made the manager very, very proud. There were 9 superstars out there today, making the trophy for the Star Player of the Week almost impossible to award. On this occasion it was presented to the outstanding HENRY, for his performances over the past two weekends. Well done Henry, thoroughly well deserved.

 

Saturday 24th September

Langton Giants 3 - 0 East Grinstead Meads Inter

Sid x 2, Bertie

Langton Giants 3 – 1 East Grinstead Meads AC

Bertie, Sid, Tom

After what seemed like an eternity, finally the mighty Giants took to the pitch for their first games of the 2011/12 season, as Under 8′s for the first time. It was nice to start the season against one of the friendliest clubs in the league, East Grinstead Meads, although as last seasons games showed we couldn’t have asked for a much harder test to begin with.

The first game saw us take on the very well organised Inter team, and the game was played at a very high standard with both teams passing the ball very well and keeping their shape throughout. There were chances at both end, with Sid and Bertie both hitting the post and James making a couple of excellent saves at the other end. Jack and Henry were very strong in defence, which allowed the attacking players to push forward more and finally the breakthrough came when Sid fired home just inside the post. A minute later the lead was doubled when Bertie slotted home into the bottom corner before Sid grabbed his second of the game with his left foot to complete the scoring.

The second game was equally well played, with both teams getting stuck in from the off. Again, Jack and Henry were outstanding in defence, and Tom and Brodie both came into their own with some fantastic combination play. James continued to look very accomplished in goal, with top class handling and saves but even he was unable to get anywhere near the first goal of the game that came from an amazing volleyed strike into the top corner from East Grinstead’s star player. The response from the Giants was superb and lightening quick, with the always brilliant Bertie chasing down a lost cause, winning the ball and slotting it in from an impossible angle to equalise within 30 seconds of the boys conceding! A couple of minutes later the Giants were in front thanks to goal machine Sid nutmegging the goalkeeper with a fine spin and shot. It would have been level at half time were it not for a great save by James from a well hit shot.

The second half saw even better passing from  the Giants as they controlled the game. Some of the midfield play from Tom, Bertie and Brodie was very easy on the eye and Sid was a constant threat up-front. It was Tom who rounded off the scoring with a fine strike into the top corner as the boys ran out deserved winners.

A brilliant start to the season then, probably fair to say the score line in both games were a little harsh on two very good East Grinstead sides, but lots of positives to build on for the season to come.