Our exciting U18s squad got their 24/25 Isthmian South League campaign off to a flyer at a rainy Homecall Carpets Community Stadium last evening. Prolonged high summer weather across our region was suddenly punctuated by hints of Autumn as persistent rain fell through out the afternoon and evening. Our wonderful pitch was slick and fast perfect for a game of attacking football.
Hill were on the front foot early and there was no surprise that Fletcher Fane found a yard of space to shoot from 25 yards. The ball arrowing into the bottom corner. After 10 mins Hill pressed the ball down the left flank which caused confusion in the Lewes box. Jake King was on hand to calmly roll home the 2nd goal. Lewes did produce some nice moves themselves. On one occasion they accurately made 20 odd passes which ended in a fierce shot that cannoned out for a corner. However, it was Hill who completed a positive half as Henry York-Johnson powerfully headed in a third.
HT BHTFC 3 Lewes 0
On another occasion a lapse in concentration might change a course of the match. Hill seem to emerge from the dressing room half asleep. They were made to pay on 48 mins as Lewes scored an excellent goal. That was Hills only blemish on the very positive evening. They quickly wrestled the initiative again popping the ball around nicely. The game was effectively won mid-way through the second half. An exquisite one touch move ended with King dinking the ball past an on rushing keeper. Damien Theodore produced the final flourish bending a right foot drive around the keeper and in off the far post late in the game.
Job done! BHTFC 5 Lewes 1
Joint Manager Berty Oliva told waiting media (full interview below) ‘we asked the boys to start strong to set the tone for the upcoming season and we can’t fault them. Five one at home to Lewes is a great result. We play to certain patterns but fundamentally we want to get the ball forward as quickly as possible and then get our shots off quickly. We did that well tonight and perhaps might have had a couple more goals!’
Our U18s certainly appear to have a lively attacking style which is both pleasing on the eye and very exciting to watch. Jake King scoring two excellent goals. However, in tricky conditions for the defensive unit we looked very solid for most of the game. Lewes did press at times with pace and skill. Keeper, Sonni Nealgrove handed the ball well, claimed several dangerous crosses and made two excellent saves. He is awarded the Man of the Match.
The lads are back in training for a couple of weeks, but early September sees two exciting back-to-back opportunities. On Friday 6th they travel to Broadbridge Heath in the Fa Youth Cup and on the 12th host Whitehawk in the league. Make a date in the diary and come out to support the team!
Here from joint manager Berty Oliva below
