Under 10s continue their learning curve

Given the recent weather and current conditions at Radfall, it was a surprise to many that any football could be taking place this weekend. However, on a surprisingly sunny afternoon, Whitstable Under 10’s travelled to Thanet to face Thanet United Youth.
Thanet United Youth were the unknown quantity having not faced them before, and straight from kick off they were on the offensive, winning a couple of corners and sending several shots towards the Whitstable goal. The tone was quickly set for what would be a very physical game against a strong attacking team.
For the rest of the first half, Thanet stayed on the offensive and strong defending from Joseph, Will and Elian, coupled with ‘heroic’ goalkeeping from Noah kept Thanet searching for the goal. Whitstable had a few breakaway moments, with Ted feeding the ball in midfield up to Finn, supported by Nate, Leon and Josh, but sadly Whitstable couldn’t quite get the ball across the line.
Thanet pressed forwards again, hitting the cross bar, before a goal line scrabble fell in their favour and they were on the score sheet. Whitstable responded with more runs upfield, showing resilience and teamwork, but again were frustrated by the Thanet goalkeeper and defence.
A questionable penalty was awarded against Whitstable, but a phenomenal diving save by Noah, stopped it finding it’s mark.
Again, the Whitstable midfield responded, with the welcome return of Frank following injury but despite their best efforts, were unable to score.
Thanet scored their second before the half time whistle.
Whitstable came out for the second half strong, and solid defending and midfield played the game into the Thanet half, before Thanet responded on the attack and were awarded a second penalty. Noah again got behind it, and was able to push it away, however an unlucky rebound off the post put Thanet on the score board once more.
Whitstable kept their heads up, looking for the chances and defending against any further advances towards their goal. A couple of late injuries in the game for Whitstable, meant some line up changes had to be made, and an unlucky bounce meant Thanet were able to find the net again just before the final whistle went.
Despite not getting the result Whitstable would have wanted, it was an incredibly exciting match and the determination, work ethic, and teamwork demonstrated by the Whitstable team was sadly not reflected in the score line. Every member of the team gave 110% right up to the final whistle. It was great to see the way the players continue to grow both individually and as a team keeping their heads up even in defeat.

Player of the match was awarded to Noah – congratulations!