The latest stop on the Moor Mead adventure saw the U9s visit the bucolic surroundings of Walton on the Hill to meet Walton Warriors U9s.
Moor Mead were granted a warm welcome from the home team and the game got underway on a slightly more compact pitch than the team was used to. Rumours that word had got out of the free-flowing expansive football that was being nurtured in a small pocket of TW1, and that opposing teams were instructing groundsmen to "do a Stoke" remain pure conjecture.
Moor Mead, under their variety of coaches are no slouches in the defensive department, and a combo of Brendan in goal, Giulio (skipper) and Swedish Jack looked very composed at the back allowing Jack to push into midfield. Fred M, despite the tighter playing area continued to cause problems with his fleet of foot running down the right hand side and was putting in challenging crosses. With the first quarter gone, Barney, having enjoyed a scenic tour of the North Downs in his father's nippy, but Sat Nav free, Fiat 500 took up the striking role. His energetic run saw him score from a tight angle, and he then doubled his return with a long range strike. He had been unlucky with a stooping header moments earlier - not least his commitment to the cause by using his tousled locks that had been voted "Best hair in Moor Mead FC" for two consecutive years.
Toby showed glimpses of the finesse that had attracted interest from the travelling scouts that are hot-footing it to Marble Hill park: one take down with his left foot from waist high was particularly impressive. But it was left to his St Mary's pal Sonny, to take the Tekkers award of the day/month/season: a Fred Mair cross at knee height was volleyed home using a Danny Welbeck style back heel volley. With a celebration that was Cantona-esque, we expect there is more to come from Sonny.
Walton Warriors rallied well.....their centre midfield showed good strength, skill and a throw which would pick up Gold at the Borough Sports.....a range of views from the boys as to the type of throw..."Iceland" said Barney...."Holland" said Fred............
Despite the goal, Moor Mead held firm, Barney showing his pace in keeping their skillful striker under wraps. So, a 4-1 win to Moor Mead. It was great to give all of the players a good run-out (taking a squad of 8 rather than 10 felt much more manageable). Thanks to Walton Warriors who were great hosts.
December 10th sees a cup game at Worcester Park (knockout football) and on December 17th Moor Mead visit the impressive surroundings that are Leatherhead's 3G pitch. Let's finish off strongly into the Xmas break. It will cap a good series of league and friendly fixtures (vs the Mall School) this term: a promotion for the team, and holding our own (plus) in this higher league.