Last Sunday, 27/01/08, the under 18s faced a long trip to a place called Debenham in Suffolk. The day started perfectly, fine sunny weather, with a slight chill in the air, perfect day for a football match. Arrived at the ground at 09.30am, mini bus ready, team inside, all waiting to leave. Unfortunately we only had 10 available players due to several late pull outs. Did consider not travelling and awarding the game to Debenham, but the young players who had turned up were well up for it and we did not wish to disappoint them. Leaving the club at 10.00 the journey started well, no traffic on the A406, A10 and the M25. M11 was also clear, and we completed the first half of the journey in good time, and expected to arrive in Debenham at approx midday, one and a hours before the 13.30pm kick off time. Half way down the A14 we were warned of stationary traffic for approx 4 miles ahead anmd had to divert back to the A11 and head towards Norwich, whereas Debenham was nearer Ipswich. Journey finally took 3 hours exactly, arriving finally at 13.00pm, but I must say that we went through some terrific scenic routes before finally arriving at the beautiful village of Debenham. On arriving at the ground which was part of a very impressive leisure centre we were warmly greeted by the Debenham staff, and were told that the referee had only just turned up aswell and that the kick off had been delayed till 13.50pm. As we took to the pitch sun was still shining brightly, and it was relatively warm. Regarding the pitch, which was actually their training pitch, as they were not willing to use their very well kept first team pitch, it was quite bumby but in relative good condition, considering the rain that they had had in the recent weeks in their area, Game started at 13.50 on the dot, and the opening 30 minutes was frantic end to end stuff, really exciting, with chances going begging at both ends. You would never have thought that we had 10 men against their 11, let alone they also had 5 subs available. On 30 minutes though, Debenham were awarded a free kick just outsde the area, and from this free kick a penalty was awarded for handball. This penalty was scored by Hope, and it was a very well placed penalty giving our keeper Alex Flett no chance. 2 minutes later Debenham scored again but on this occasion the goal was disallowed for offside. Debenham were now getting on top and play was kept in our half. We suddenly got a breakaway on 37 minutes but unfortunately Shai Revivo's close range shot was saved well by the Debenham keeper. From the resulting drop kick with most of our players upfield from the previous attack Debenham broke free and Turner slid the ball pass the oncoming Flett into the net to put Debenham 2-0 up totally against the run of play. Debenham then took control until half time, but could not increase the score HALF TIME: DEBENHAM 2 WINGATE&FINCHLEY 0 One might have thought that the young men from North London would have come out in the 2nd half despondent and heads down. Totally opposite, anyone arriving at half time would have thought Wingate & Finchley were the team in front. In my opinion Wingate & Finchley dominated the second half without getting the run of the ball, and had several good chances to get themselves back in the game. It was not to be, and in the 90th minute Debenham scored a 3rd through Smith. There is no doubt in my mind with a full team of 11 players and the availability of subs that we would have coasted this game. FINAL SCORE DEBENHAM 3 WINGATE & FINCHLEY 0 Hope 30 mins Turner 37 mins Smith 90 mins Our boys should be proud of the performance they put in today, which followed a very good performance at Bury Town 2 weeks ago, where they lost 4-1 in the Ryman League Cup, but once again the scoreline did not do our team justice. Journey home was a lot quicker, the day was very enjoyable, match was very competitive, hosts were very hospitable, result was the only downer, but plenty in the game to be positive about. WINGATE & FINCHLEY TEAM 1) ALEX FLETT Showed much maturity and dominated his box 2) JAHBEZ ESSOO-SNOWDON Continued to run for full 90 mins showing much committment 3) DANIEL PERKINS Full of energy, read the game well. 4) ROB BLACKMAN The hard man of the team, heard his voice throughout the game.Totally committed. 5) BEN ELLIS Very fast, and skilful, played at the back today, not his normal position. Very impressive. 6) MATTHEW LANGLEY Very skilful, made very few mistakes in the 90 mins 7) ANTHONY BAYELE Strong competitor, won most tackles and always looked dangerous going forward. 8) UNUSED 9) CULLEN FRENCH Never let his head drop, battled through the 90 mins. Youngest player. Very skilful with a very mature head for such a young player. 10) SHAI REVIVO Very impressive, always available, can read the game well. 11) MICHAEL YU 90 mins of energy, always well positioned, also reads a game very well 10/10 FOR THE WHOLE TEAM FOR BOTH EFFORT AND COMMITTMENT