Whitstable unlucky again in defeat

The game started evenly, with little between the teams in the first ten minutes, although an injury to Jack meant an early substitution in midfield. A couple of Dover corners came to nothing, but Whitstable then enjoyed a good period of pressure, forcing a couple of corners themselves, and taking the game to Dover. However, against the run of play, a defensive error from a Whitstable goal kick, left a Dover attacker with an open goal from the edge of the box, and he made no mistake. 18 mins 0-1.
The latter stages of the first half saw a couple of Dover chances well saved by Nathan in the Whitstable goal, although Max had a good run at the Dover defence, but was crowded out as the first half came to a close.
Half time: Whitstable Town U12s A 0 Dover Rangers Colts 1
The second half started poorly for Whitstable, as Dover doubled their lead within a minute of the restart. Whitstable failed to clear the ball at the edge of their own box, and a shot went over the goalkeeper, hit the crossbar, but straight back to a Dover forward who had a simple opportunity of hitting the back of the net. 31 mins 0-2.
The next ten minutes were difficult for Whitstable, as Dover looked to extend the lead further, but despite a couple of corners, and a free kick on the edge of the box that deflected off the wall for a corner, the score line remained unchanged.
Whitstable then started to re-find their feet, and Alfie fed a good through ball to Seb, but his shot from 12 yards lacked pace, and was easily saved by the Dover goalkeeper. He was forced into action just a minute later as he parried a good shot from Alfie away for a corner, and again found himself in the right place, as the resultant corner was deflected by a Dover defender straight into his arms.
Dover then had a couple of half chances, but as the game went into the last ten minutes, Whitstable again found themselves unlucky not to get themselves on the scoresheet. Seb produced some good play on the right wing, but his dangerous cross was well intercepted by a Dover defender, and just a couple of minutes later, Seb was again involved, as his shot was well saved by the Dover goalkeeper. Liam P's follow up was again saved by the keeper, the rebound falling to Alex, whose attempt from six yards was well cleared off the line by a Dover defender.
The last five minutes were seen out with no further goalmouth action, and the game ended in a loss for Whitstable.
Full time: Whitstable Town U12s A 0 Dover Rangers Colts 2

The work rate, effort and quality across the whole squad was excellent, and with a little change of luck, the results will come.