Highbury under 10’s ‘A’ played a league match against Trowbridge ‘A’ on Sunday 01st November 2009 in conditions that were not dissimilar to a monsoon however Highbury were not to be denied after a stirring fight back that saw the run out 3 – 2 winners.
The game started with Highbury playing into a ferocious wind and torrential rain, they were desperately trying to play possession football and keep passing the ball on the ground but every time they lost possession Trowbridge would launch the ball high and watch it carry in the wind and cause havoc in the Highbury defence. Trowbridge took the lead after a long punt upfield caught Highbury short at the back, Adam Clark raced across the area in a desperate attempt to win the ball but slid in on the wet surface and clearly fouled his opponent for a penalty. The penalty kick was well struck but Liam Gibbens made an excellent save however Trowbridge reacted quicker and smashed home the rebound. Highbury fought back and Joe Hardy was trying to keep possession to allow the midfield to join him, this effort was nearly rewarded when Luke Wood sent a stunning effort which flew just wide of the post after a neat lay off from Hardy.
Trowbridge extended their lead with a scrappy second, again the unremitting wind and rain caused mayhem after another long punt landed in the Highbury half, instead of the normal bounce the ball skidded through on the slippery surface. Chay Andrews made an excellent block and was quickly back to his feet and challenging again however the ball broke kindly for Trowbridge into the area and was prodded home to make it 2 – 0.
The second half started with Highbury having the advantage of the elements on their side, they were still trying to move the ball with pace and exploit the speed they possess in wide areas. Louis Cole was becoming more influential in midfield and brought Highbury back into the game with a long range effort, Harry Guerri-Fear won a solid tackle in defence and cleared the ball to Cole, Cole moved into the Trowbridge half and struck a powerful shot that the keeper could only parry over the line to make it 2 – 1.
Highbury were displaying indefatigable spirit and despite clearly tiring in the conditions they levelled the score when Lyndon Parmley won a tackle in midfield and the ball broke to Joe Hardy, Hardy ran clear of the defence and coolly slid an accurate shot past the home keeper to make it 2 – 2.
The final 7 minutes were chaotic as the wind and rain died and Trowbidge suddenly found a new lease of life, Liam Gibbens made a good save and followed this with a commanding take in the air to settle Highbury nerves, Guerri-Fear, Clark and Andrews all made excellent blocks and tackles and finally Highbury scored a deserved winner from Thomas McFerran. Highbury played good football and had used the tireless running of Cole and Parmley to retain possession, this allowed them to threaten the Trowbridge goal. Hardy sent a cross in from the right which evaded everybody except McFerran who expertly slid in and met the ball on the half volley to fire past the home keeper for a deserved 3 – 2 lead.
Highbury had one more scare when Trowbridge pushed forward and had a good shot at goal which Gibbens did well to save, however the wet ball slipped from his grasp towards the goal line only for Lyndon Parmley to clear.
This was a win earned from determination and willpower and a team ethic that was admirable.