Highbury Under 10’s ‘A’ played against Corsham AFC on Sunday 24th January 2010 in their first competitive match of the new year. Both teams started as if waking from a seasonal hibernation and seemed to find it more difficult on a still partially frozen pitch and general bitter cold weather.
Both teams showed great tenacity and strength of character to provide a spectacle worth watching, Highbury were solid in defence where the trio of Chay Andrews, Harry Guerri-Fear and Thomas Mcferrank continued there excellent form of late with solid tackling, and undoubted bravery of putting their bodies on the line to block shots or intercept through balls. Liam Gibbens in goal showed excellent handling and anticipation, his powerful kicking whether into the wind or otherwise is a useful weapon which Highbury would do well to exploit more.
In midfield Louis Cole, Lyndon Parmley and Luke Wood ran tirelessly and battled the conditions with great determination. Adam Clark was ploughing a lone furrow up front and was well marshalled by a physical committed Corsham defence.
The first half saw few real chances for either team, Clark created and nearly scored the opening goal when receiving the ball to feet with his back to goal he spun his marker and fizzed a powerful left foot shot across a stranded keeper and just the wrong side of the post. Cole nearly opened the scoring with a long range shot which he lobbed beautifully to beat the home keeper only for the ball to drop just over the bar.
Corsham played most of their football through one player who dictated their entire game, Highbury had planned for this from there early season encounter and Lyndon Parmley carried out his managers instructions perfectly by ensuring that he got no time or space to play and was put under pressure every time he received the ball. In doing so Highbury were able to stem the flow of attacks and on the occasions he found space Guerri-Fear, Mcferran and Andrews were able to snuff out the danger.
Half time saw the Highbury manager Rob McFerran encourage his players to trust in their ability and use the ball. He was also looking for more goal threat and hoping to put the home team defence and keeper under pressure.
Luke Woods and Lyndon Parmley started to exploit their pace and power with runs that were causing Corsham to defend deeper. Adam Clark was working tirelessly and linking play. The first goal came after a smart interchange of passing that created the opportunity for Parmley to whip in a curling cross to the back post where Cole neatly steered the ball into the net for a 1 – 0 lead.
Corsham responded with more fight and spirit and created a few good opportunities without actually creating clear cut chances. Adam Clark and Louis Cole swapped positions with Highbury determined to keep their advantage. Corsham’s main attacking ploy was a ‘Rory Delap’ style long throw which were launched into the Highbury box however Guerri-Fear cleared one with a brave header and took an elbow on the chin, and Andrews, Gibbens and Mcferran thought for every loose ball to keep Highbury ahead.
Highbury doubled their lead with an individual effort from Luke Woods when he drove forward and skipped past two players, shaped to shoot but trusting his ability on both feet he cut inside another defender before slotting the ball past the keeper.
The game finished with Corsham losing their cool with two wild challenges however Clark more than matched the physical challenge with his own crunching tackles to ensure Highbury comfortably held on to their 2 – 0 victory.
Team: Liam Gibbens, Adam Clark, Chay Andrews, Harry Guerri-Fear, Luke Woods, Louis Cole, Lyndon Parmley, Thomas McFerran,.