England U17’s Squad 3 – 19 HBU
Location: Soham. Time: 19.15. Date: 10.10.09
Reigning champions Herne Bay United took on the England under 17’s in their first Premier League game of the season. HBU were looking to hit the ground running and despite some early possession from the national side, (who have entered into the Premier League to aid their development), it was United who struck first, Brendan Barker scoring 4 goals in the first 10 minutes. England then re-focused their efforts in defence and they managed to shut out United for the next 10 minutes, however they could not sustain it and in the final 5 minutes of the have United added a further 6 goals, (3 from veteran striker Paul McVey, 2 from Barker, and 1 from Joel Defigueiredo, who was making his debut for the champions). It wasn’t all one way as England did manage to score with 42 seconds remaining in the half, a well taken finish from Keiran Brady to make the half time score England U17’s 1 – 10 HBU.
After the break it was England who created the early chances, they were moving the ball around well and were winning the 50/50 tackles. HBU had started the 2nd half slowly and were duly punished when, with 20 minutes remaining Liam Conroy kept his nerve to finish from close range to make the score 2 – 10. HBU were not at their best, and despite immediately responding with a goal from Neil Austin, England continued to put pressure on the champions defence. Then with 15 minutes left England were awarded a penalty, which Liam Conroy despatched into the top right hand corner of the net to make it 3 – 11. Again United responded immediately with Karl Smith scoring from close range to make it 3 – 12. Determined to stamp their authority on the game United stepped up the pace and in the last 10 minutes they scored 6 more unanswered goals to make the final score England 3 – 19 HBU.
Following the game HBU captain Simon Hosking said: “We are pleased to get our campaign off to a winning start. We were definitely not at our best, and we know we need to improve. But the performance gives us something to build on. England U17’s are not a bad side, and there were stages in the game where they pushed us back and created chances, they could provide a few shocks this season. The result was never in doubt though, we have goalscorers throughout the team, it was especially pleasing to see our new signing Joel Defigueiredo getting on the score sheet. We have a big squad this season, and all the players know they will have to fight for their place. Our youngest player today was Joel (18) and our oldest player today was Nigel (41). It should be an interesting season.”
England Coach Carlos Amaral said: “I am pleased with the performance, to me the result is not important, HBU are the best side in the country. It is the manner of our play that is important. The boys showed discipline in attack and defence. There were times when HBU over ran us, but on the whole it was a good performance. We are in the League for experience, we will learn from each game, and hopefully improve, we are building for the U17 European Championships, to be held in Northampton next year. The team will be tested this year, that’s exactly what I want.”
HBU manager Phil McVey said: “It is good to get the first game out of the way with a win. We were far from our best. At times we showed glimpses of the hockey we are capable of. We will need to improve if we are to retain our title. However we had 3 players playing today who were not in the squad last year. Veteran’s Paul McVey (40) and Nigel Mills (41), who have both been performing well in the veterans side and were selected for the first time in over a decade, and youngster Joel Defigueiredo was also making his debut for the club. It just goes to show you that if you are good enough, age is irrelevant. It sends a message out to all my players that no one’s place in the team is secure. All 3 of the debutants played well, Paul scored 4 with Joel netting once. As for England, I have to say I was impressed. They showed they have ability, and even more important, they showed they have the temperament to handle pressure. To face the champions and to put up the fight they did showed great character. If they can continue to learn and develop, they stand every chance of making it to the final in the Euro championships next year. I wish them every success.”
HBU team: Dave Garlick (GK), Karl Smith (2), Simon Hosking © (1), Joel Defigurado (1), Neil Austin (2), Nigel Mills, Brendan Barker (9), Paul McVey (4), Matt Barton. – Manager: Phil McVey
Phil McVey
