Brightlingsea Regent U12s Vs Holland Blues U12s

A brilliant performance by Oscar Finbow in goal couldn’t stop Brightlingsea Regent U12s exiting the Essex County cup at the second round stage.

The game started fairly evenly with little goal mouth action, both teams taking time to settle down. Holland created the first clear effort producing a brilliant save from Oscar Finbow. Again the game was pretty even and chances at a premium although Holland we’re having the better of it. On 15 minutes Holland took the lead after a passing move on the right hand side 0:1 to Holland. A great free kick from Zac Levett put Lindon Berisha clean through, he poked the ball past the keeper but agonisingly just wise of the right hand post. The game was flowing from end to end with notable performances from Samuel Kerr, Rafe Chapman and Dexter Bellhouse. Half time 0:1

The second half started with Holland on top and Brightlingsea playing on the break. Oscar Finbow once again excelling in goal and keeping Holland at bay while Alex Hill, Zac Levett and Billy Wiggins all did really well in keeping the ball out. Holland were sensing a second goal but on the break Regent looked dangerous and after 70 minutes Lindon Berisha took the ball round the keeper and rolled into the empty net. 1:1 a really nice goal. The last 10 minutes were tight and normal time ended with no further goals 1:1 full time.
So the game went into extra time, a couple of minutes in and Holland took the lead with a unlucky break for Brightlingsea, the ball was cleared by Zac, but it went straight to a Holland player who played in his strike partner who placed it in to the corner of the net. 1:2. For the next few minutes it was all Holland, but again Brightlingsea looked dangerous on the break. HT 1:2. The second half carried on in the same vein, with Holland pushing Regent back and regent playing on the break. With 5 minutes left Holland made the game safe with a terrific finish into the top corner. 1:3. Brightlingsea didn’t gave up though and were awarded a free kick on the edge of the box, Alex Hill took the kick which with a deflection hit the top of the cross bar, from the resulting corner and following a goal mouth scramble, Ruben Crozier put in a great ball, in which Samuel Kerr confidently smashed into the back of the net. 2:3. That was the final action of the game. Lots of positives to take out of the game. Everybody played their part, and on another day could have got the result. Players I didn’t mention Henry Tither played really well both in attacking play and tracking back, Freya Hatch battles well up front, I’m sure that goal is coming. And well done to Yusef Aslam on his debut for us today.

Man of the match - Oscar Finbow.