Ipswich Edge Close Encounter
The EABC Under 16 Representative squad had the honour of playing against an Ipswich Town Academy side at Playford Road, Ipswich on Tuesday 3rd March 2009. After a committed and gritty performance they were narrowly edged out in a close encounter.
The team matched Ipswich Town in every department throughout the match. With the wind on their backs in the first half EABC came close to scoring on a number of occasions most notably with a header being cleared off the line by the Ipswich defence.
It was Ipswich however, who got the breakthrough with a determined run down the left followed by a fierce shot ending up in the roof of the net. Essex showed a great deal of character after this initial setback and their commitment was rewarded just before half time with the equaliser. Jake Conroy pounced on a ball just outside the box, controlled well and kept his composure to finish sublimely, lifting the ball over the Ipswich keeper’s head.
The second half was just as balanced. However, after a strong penalty claim from the Essex Boy’s and a goal disallowed for an infringement it was Ipswich who scored the winning goal. A through ball cleared our defence and an Ipswich forward reacted quickest outpacing the EABC defenders to slot home.
Despite the 2 – 1 defeat, this was a great performance and the Ipswich management team were impressed by the quality of the squad.
Further games are planned plus an Easter Tour of Cumbria and Durham
The squad for the game was as follows:
Island Boys Club
Charlie Benge and Luke lee Sang
Ockendon Rhinos FC
George Whiter and Ashley Pallant
Basildon Boys FC
Charlie Phillipe
Brentwood Athletic FC
Nick Wilson and Alex Sesiak
Ingatestone Boys’ Own Club
Tom Witham and Jack Sterland
Maldon Town YFC
Ben Goodchild, Sam Mead, Aaron Kerner, Richard Robins and Jordan White
Linford Wanderers Boys’ Club
Jake Conroy
