U14s lose unbeaten record

Whitstable's first defeat of the season came in their fifth league match against unbeaten Woodnesborough Colts. Playing on a bumpy pitch on a gloriously warm afternoon things started brightly for the away team. A fantastic pass out to the left wing from George Baughan saw Jacob Couzens drive into the penalty box where he was thwarted by a fine save from the advancing keeper. However, the ball bounced back out to the advancing Kobey Love who calmly slotted home from the edge of the box. Unfortunately the boys were unable to hold onto the lead and Woodnesborough equalised within two minutes. The rest of the half was filled with some great football from Whitstable but it didn't lead to many chances. At the other end of the pitch Woodnesborough appeared to score from virtually every shot they had. Half time came with the score at 4-1.
During the break we talked about continuing to play and continuing to be confident and work hard. Having recovered a three-goal deficit in an earlier match this season we didn't feel the result was a foregone conclusion. Another goal for the home team within a few minutes of the half starting ended the match as a competition, and Woodnesborough scored another couple of goals. Whitstable didn't give up, though, and scored a late consolation through Herbert Dunn's lovely long range shot.
On a day when we had five players - including our keeper - missing due to holidays the boys put in a decent performance which wasn't necessarily reflected in the score line, something backed-up by Woodnesborough's manager. A big thanks to our hosts for the magnificent after-match refreshments and general hospitality.