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U10b draw 2-2 at UPR

Andrew Colman, 7 February 2010 14:51

The boys ended a 3 match losing streak in the league with a share of the points at UPR, a match they might easily have won with more composure in front of goal. UPR started quicker, and Dennis was called into action early on to tip over the bar after a close range shot. From the ensuing corner Buckhurst Hill failed to clear and UPR took the lead with a powerful shot from the edge of the box.
 
This seemed to be the wake up call that Buckhurst Hill needed, and they proceeded to dominate for much of the rest of the match. Downer and Leahy both came close, and Kuponiyi was a constant harrying threat leading the attack. The first really flowing move of the game led to an equaliser for Buckhurst Hill, Leahy's pass sending Ruiz clear on the left, and when his cross was half cleared it fell to Leahy on the edge of the box who converted with a sumptuous right footed drive. Downer twice came close again but the teams came to half-time level.

Buckhurst Hill made wholesale changes for the second half, but continued to dominate proceedings with Creasey and Slatford at the back efficiently tidying up what little thtreat was posed by UPR. Colman was twice denied by the increasingly impressive UPR keeper, Dermibala came close with a left footed effort, Oliver was denied after a mazy run from the right wing, and somehow Risby and Colman both contrived to miss a fine cross from the right, again by Oliver. It was Risby, however, who was really starting to make inroads down the left and after another surging run he laid the ball back for Leahy to strike another thunderbolt past the UPR keeper to put Buckhurst Hill into a well-deserved lead.

Leahy came close with a free-kick, Dermibala had a goal-bound effort scrambled clear and Risby's curling long-range effort was palmed away by the UPR keeper, but the third just would not come. Buckhurst Hill were made to pay for their profligacy in front of goal when they sloppily gave the ball away in midfield and UPR broke to equalise. There were still chances for Buckhurst Hill to snatch victory, but UPR held on for a share of the spoils.

Man of The Match was Alfie Leahy for two superbly struck goals and a dominant passing performance in central midfield.