Highbury Under 10’s A played their first away match of a new season against newly promoted Chippenham Town Youth on Sunday 13^th September 2009. The game ended with Highbury  losing 2 – 0 after a desperately poor performance which they will need to remedy quickly.

The match was chaotic and often congested due to a particularly small pitch which only serves to prevent good football and reduce the time and room available for players to express themselves. Highbury were struggling with the basics such as passing to a team mate, controlling the ball and defending with vigour and commitment.

Highbury conceded the first goal when the failed to deal with a long clearance, Adam e had to make a last ditch challenge but the ball broke favourably for Chippenham and with no covering from the remaining Highbury defenders the striker ran clear and fired past Liam Gibbons in goal.

Highbury tried to respond but apart from a long range free kick from Louise Cole which flew just over the bar they were struggling to create any clear chances. Lyndon Parmley, Chay Andrews  and Luke Woods were all working tirelessly but whenever they had good possession or made a half chance the final shot was wayward or easily saved.

Chippenham extended their lead with a weak second goal. Chippenham  had an attacking throw-in which was taken long into the Highbury box, the ball bounced and the defenders and goalkeeper  stood motionless whilst a Chippenham striker nipped in and prodded the ball home.

Highbury started the second half with more determination and looking to impose themselves on the match. Thomas McFerran had moved into midfield hoping to provide one of his timely goals and without improving much they created sufficient chances to have scored a number of goals and won the match.  

Following good possession Lyndon Parmley broke down the right wing and pulled back an excellent cross which Woods met and shot goal wards,  the keeper was beaten but the was cleared of the line. The Chippenham keeper made a fine save when he managed to backtrack and stop a great lob with a fine one handed save to deny Andrews.

Coles also came close when he met a bouncing ball in the penalty area but his shot was blocked on route to goal. At the other end Chippenham made the occasion furrow forward but found Adam e in great form and Liam Gibbons saving well in goal. 

Highbury tried hard until the end but this was not their day, the lack of precision in their passing and match awareness allied to basic errors meant the game was irretrievable.