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Beckenham 2-0 Julians - By Matthew Leach
Matthew Hayman17 Apr 2021 - 12:56
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Battling Julian's restart with a narrow defeat
Battling Julians could not quite make it a winning return against Beckenham Town – but came close.
Due to the Under-12s Tandridge Youth League’s enforced break because of the coronavirus pandemic, Julians last match was way back in January but there was no sign of rustiness.
Coach Matt Hayman had been putting his hotshots through their paces in training and it showed. They tore into a Beckenham side who were bigger than Julians in stature, but not spirit.
It was a hugely impressive display from the young Julians dynamos who, for many, were playing on their first 9-a-side pitch.
Unfazed by the bigger playing surface and seemingly larger goals, Julians were soon on the front foot.
Finn was at the heart all things good in midfield, breaking up attacks, riding tackles from sometimes two or three opponents, and always prepared to take a pot shot on goal.
Inspirational skipper Rhoshaine showed boundless energy, attacking from deep on the right, while Olivia and Iris buzzed around their much bigger opponents, tackling back and weaving intricate passing moves that left Beckenham’s defenders dizzy.
The only thing that was missing was a goal and it looked like it would come from Julians.
Isobel was almost rewarded for her industry and mazy runs with a goal in the first half and Finn fired a warning shot just over.
Sienna came on in the first half and immediately set about the opposition. She was ferocious in the tackle, but also played with intelligence, holding the ball up and threading passes through.
Bree also had one of her best games to date, showing her athleticism at the back, she is growing in confidence with every match.
But despite Julians' dominance, it was Beckenham who broke the deadlock midway through the first half, when their midfielder smashed a piledriver past Azariah. The Julians keeper, who had up until that point dominated her penalty area, had little chance.
Normal service resumed in the second half with Julians dominating possession and Beckenham relying on set-pieces and long throws.
And it was from a free-kick that the hosts grabbed their second goal. Beckenham threatened to break away down the right and Bree, like all good defenders should, used her strength to ease the winger off the ball. Unfortunately, the referee gave a free-kick which somehow found the net.
Undaunted Julians kept going, Betsy was everywhere, winning tackles and combining well down the left flank.
Zosia powered her way through several times but the ball just would not break for Julians. Iris started a move in midfield and found Olivia who fired just past the upright.
As Julians pushed for a goal there was always a danger they would be caught on the break. They need not have worried, unsung hero Martha, always a calming presence, marshalled the backline and never gave Beckenham a sniff. So many positives to take from this game … now we just need some goals!
Due to the Under-12s Tandridge Youth League’s enforced break because of the coronavirus pandemic, Julians last match was way back in January but there was no sign of rustiness.
Coach Matt Hayman had been putting his hotshots through their paces in training and it showed. They tore into a Beckenham side who were bigger than Julians in stature, but not spirit.
It was a hugely impressive display from the young Julians dynamos who, for many, were playing on their first 9-a-side pitch.
Unfazed by the bigger playing surface and seemingly larger goals, Julians were soon on the front foot.
Finn was at the heart all things good in midfield, breaking up attacks, riding tackles from sometimes two or three opponents, and always prepared to take a pot shot on goal.
Inspirational skipper Rhoshaine showed boundless energy, attacking from deep on the right, while Olivia and Iris buzzed around their much bigger opponents, tackling back and weaving intricate passing moves that left Beckenham’s defenders dizzy.
The only thing that was missing was a goal and it looked like it would come from Julians.
Isobel was almost rewarded for her industry and mazy runs with a goal in the first half and Finn fired a warning shot just over.
Sienna came on in the first half and immediately set about the opposition. She was ferocious in the tackle, but also played with intelligence, holding the ball up and threading passes through.
Bree also had one of her best games to date, showing her athleticism at the back, she is growing in confidence with every match.
But despite Julians' dominance, it was Beckenham who broke the deadlock midway through the first half, when their midfielder smashed a piledriver past Azariah. The Julians keeper, who had up until that point dominated her penalty area, had little chance.
Normal service resumed in the second half with Julians dominating possession and Beckenham relying on set-pieces and long throws.
And it was from a free-kick that the hosts grabbed their second goal. Beckenham threatened to break away down the right and Bree, like all good defenders should, used her strength to ease the winger off the ball. Unfortunately, the referee gave a free-kick which somehow found the net.
Undaunted Julians kept going, Betsy was everywhere, winning tackles and combining well down the left flank.
Zosia powered her way through several times but the ball just would not break for Julians. Iris started a move in midfield and found Olivia who fired just past the upright.
As Julians pushed for a goal there was always a danger they would be caught on the break. They need not have worried, unsung hero Martha, always a calming presence, marshalled the backline and never gave Beckenham a sniff. So many positives to take from this game … now we just need some goals!
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