U13s win County Cup Semi final 2-4

The U13 EJA boys did well to beat fellow EJA opponents Hornchurch to go through to the County Cup Final.

The boys started well with Cam in goal, Luke, Hayden and Max at the back, Ed and James on the wings with Tennie, Billy and George in Midfield with Sam and Callum up front. Unfortunately within minutes it was clear that George had pulled his groin and was replaced by Joel, who played wide with Ed moving to central midfield.
City had the best of the opening minutes and were unlucky not to take the lead when a clearance fell to Max whose shot from the edge of the box hit the cross bar.
But on 10 mins Hornchurchs first attack fell invitingly for a forward whose shot from outside of the box gave Cam little chance in goal as the ball finished in the top corner. 1-0.
City did not let the goal get to them and on 20 mins a good ball by Tennie saw Sam go 50-50 with the Hornchurch keeper who saved well, but the ball came out to James who finished with a cool side foot. 1-1.
After some more City pressure from corners City were unlucky to concede a free kick on the edge of the box that was well struck, but Cam will be disappointed not to have got enough on it to stop the goal, as his save only pushed the shot onto the bar and in. 2-1.
However City came back again before half time with a free kick of their own. Joel taking from the right side with his left found the head of Ed who glanced a great header passed the Hornchurch keeper. 2-2.
Halftime. 2-2
Reece replaced the hard working Billy in midfield at half time and Hayden was also injured and was replaced by Gabe.
City seemed to go to sleep for the first 10 mins of the second half and if it was not for a great Gabe last gasp tackle and good save from Cam City could have been going out.
But on 53 mins a good Tennie corner was flicked on by Ed and the ball came to Sam who placed his header over the oncoming keeper to score. 2-3.
Tennie became the 3rd City player to be injured in the game when he was tackled knee high and was replaced by Billy.
Kyran replaced Joel for the last 10 mins to energise the hard working midfiled, and City wrapped up the win when Callum finished a one on one well with a good left footed shot with 2 mins to go. 2-4
Well done to the boys who progress to the final at Great Wakering on 22nd March 3pm. v Either Essex EJA based Buckhurst Hill or top of the Southend Prem Rayleigh.

Player of the match went to Ed for a gritty midfield display, a goal and an assist.