MATCH REPORTS 2018-19
Sunday 17th February
ISFA U15 3 BURTON ALBION U15 5
(Nottingham University)
ISFA U15 started very slow going down to two sloppy goals in the first 10 mins. This was partly down to the way ISFA set up in a new system with different personnel and also, how BAFC pressed the ball very quickly. Once ISFA got to grips with their formation they soon settled down. Ladipo and Neil-Gray were beginning to link well upfront and Jokowidjaia and Lowther were also pushing their fullbacks. Half way through the first half Lowther scored an excellent goal with a great piece of skills. At 2-1 ISFA were slowly getting a grip on the game but BAFC hit back again before Neil-Gray got ISFA's second to go 3-2 into half time. After the break ISFA showed great character and Ladipo scored the equaliser from the spot. Defensively ISFA were strong with Rose in goal and ISFA makeshift back 3 becoming more aware. Unfortunately, ISFA conceded a fourth from a set piece and then a fifth late on. This was a physically tough contest which the ISFA players stood up to. There were plenty of positives from the game.
Thursday 20th December
ISFA U15A 0 CHELSEA U15 8
(Cobham)
The game opened with Chelsea playing at high tempo and looking to penetrate a determined ISFA defensive block. ISFA stood firm and posed a threat on the counter for twenty five minutes. Chelsea then scored two fine goals to go into the half time interval 2-0 up. ISFA came out determined to compete but Chelsea rang the changes and their attacking play was breathtaking at times. The ISFA players tried to do the right things but ended up conceding a flurry of late goals to lose 8-0. A tough result but incredibly important learning curve for aspiring young ISFA players to see some of the best youth players in the land up close and an experience the players will take a great deal from.
Wednesday 19th December
ISFA U15A 6 BRIGHTON AND HOVE ALBION U14 1
(B&HA Training Ground, Lancing)
An open and entertaining encounter between two sides playing progressive football saw ISFA score twice early on through the speedy and clinical Timi Esan. Timi went on to complete a first half hat-trick before Brighton got back with a fine finish to leave the game poised 3-1 at the interval. A more cagey start to the second half saw a midfield battle develop before the outstanding Esan broke away for a fourth goal. This seemed to confirm ISFA as the team in the ascendency and two late goals were added to put a gloss on the score. An Impressive showing from the ISFA team but great credit to a youthful but technically excellent Brighton team.
SUMMER CAMP AT HARROW
Saturday 18th August
ISFA U15A 3 CRYSTAL PALACE 2
(Harrow School)
In an open and entertaining match ISFA went ahead when Mario Matos headed home from a set play. Both sides passed the ball well and created chances, but the final pass or finish proved elusive. Just before half time Palace equalised from a dangerous cross into the penalty area. The second half saw ISFA come out strongly and goals from Jack Hemmings and William Crouch opened up a comfortable lead. Palace caused alarm by pulling one back late on but ISFA managed the game well to secure a very pleasing victory.
Sunday 19th August
ISFA U15A 1 WATFORD FC U15 3
(Harrow School)
This game was a difference experience for the players compared to yesterday. Watford were very physical, and the tempo of the game was much quicker. This caught the ISFA players off guard as they very quickly conceded two goals. This seem to wake the players up and led by Deji at the back ISFA slowly got a foothold in the game. Possession was better, and chances started to come with Timi a threat on the counter attack. The half time team talk was much about playing quicker and with confidence. The players reacted well and started to control periods of the second half. Into the last period of the game ISFA scored but unfortunately, this wasn't enough to mount a comeback with Watford scoring a well worked goal in the final minutes to win the game 3-1.