We can’t be certain that President John F. Kennedy would have been a fan of TAFC Lightning, but assuming that he definitely would have been, today he would most certainly have said :

“We choose to play U12 Football…Not because it is easy, but because it is hard…because that challenge is one that we accept…and one we intend to win.”

For today the Lightning lads rose admirably to the challenge before them in a hard fought battle with their old rivals Redhill Youth Bengals. In the last two matches in which these teams have met it has been honours even between them, with Teddington emerging victorious in a cup tie, but succumbing to defeat in the last league game, so it was time to shoot for the moon and hopefully take ‘one small step’ up the league.

As the Teddington team assembled on a brisk winter morning adjacent to the New Pond Farm Allotments in Redhill they were certainly ready to dig for victory. Excitingly the match ahead would feature a Lightning debut from Sam and a welcome comeback appearance from Stefanos. But with James and Luke unavailable and Samuel still unwell, (Get Well Soon Samuel!) Kevin had to shuffle his pack. Following last week’s successful stint between the sticks George donned the keeper’s gloves once again. The defence comprised Enrique at centre back with Daniel on his right and Sam in a left back role. Joseph and ’comeback kid’ Stefanos formed the midfield contingent, with wing forwards Stanley and Matthew on the left and right respectively. Louis was the lone striker.

The moment the whistle blew for kick off, the Bengals charged with all the ferocity and fearlessness of their Lancer namesakes, puncturing the Lightning defence and immediately slotting one past a bewildered George to take the lead. This was an early setback that had not been in the Teddington script at all, but, as we know, Lightning are not a team that are afraid of a deficit. It was clear that the return of Stefanos wasn’t going to be the only comeback that we were going to witness today.

Lightning re-grouped and began to find a bit of shape and composure. Louis made some promising runs into the box and at one point Matthew nearly put the ball into the back of the Redhill net, but just couldn’t find the finish. Louis had another shot that went agonisingly wide, but as the game entered the 11th minute, Joseph made a break and hit a lovely shot that sailed over the Bengals keeper to score Lightning’s equaliser. The game was back in the balance and Teddington tails were up! Louis nearly made it two for Lightning, but again it went excruciatingly wide. Enrique had an aerial attempt but his header couldn’t find the target.

At the other end, George made a solid save to keep the score line level, as Teddington kept the pressure up on the Redhill defenders. Stefanos, who had slotted back into the Lightning ranks as if he’d never been gone and put in a terrier-like performance, was replaced by Ray. Louis won a free kick in a dangerous area that unfortunately rattled into the wall and the cries of “Handball!” did not interest the referee. Ray showed some impressive control on the ball and some neat distribution play, and Matthew put in a sweet cross that sadly no one could get on the end of.

Daniel and Sam continued to provide solid cover at the back, and at one point Sam showed what he could do with an impressive turn of pace, flying forward and unleashing a scorcher of a shot which was admirably blocked by the Bengal’s keeper. Then Enrique sent a back pass towards George that he accidently picked up rather than making the clearance with his foot. Thanks though to an uncharacteristic but fortunate error from the referee (from a Lightning point of view, anyway), it was deemed that the resulting free kick would be taken from where the ball was passed, rather than where it was picked up, and the ball was cleared, sparing George’s blushes.

As the half time whistle blew, the game was finely balanced. Thus far this had been a match of intense attrition from both sides and on the touchline there was a feeling amongst the Teddington Faithful that Lightning might just have the edge to make a giant leap and claim the win.

Half Time – Redhill Youth Bengals 1-1 Teddington Athletic Lightning

As the second half began the Bengals bared their claws and came out fighting like their feline namesakes, forcing Lightning immediately onto the defence. George made some important saves and strong calls in goal to keep the ball out of the back of his net, and, as a result of his earlier lapse, this half there was no danger of him forgetting the back pass rule. Sam continued to show his blistering turn of pace and Enrique seemed destined to score, but his powerful shot was stopped by the Redhill keeper. Then, whilst on another run forward he was felled in the box by a Bengals’ defender and a penalty was awarded. Louis stepped up to take it and despite hitting it well, the keeper managed to parry it. Whilst Louis looked skywards, hands on head, appealing to the football Gods for redemption, Joseph had luckily spotted the opportunity and flying into the box, saw it home on the rebound to put Teddington into the lead.

The game continued in a breathless end to end manner and all the players battled away, trying to find a way through each other’s defensive lines. Then, with 10 minutes left on the clock, Louis was fouled in the area and another penalty was given. With a second bite of the penalty cherry on offer, this time Louis made no mistake burying it confidently past the Bengals’ keeper to chalk up Lightning’s third goal of the match.

Two goals up, but no time for complacency. Redhill fought back once again but George continued his excellent work in goal to keep the Bengals’ attackers at bay. Stefanos showed admirable bravery in a one on one collision with the Redhill Keeper in which thankfully no damage was done to either party. Stanley had a couple of chances, with one chip rattling off the woodwork of the Bengals’ goalpost and Joseph made more of his trademark jinking runs into the box, but just couldn’t find the hat trick finish he was looking for.

As the clock ticked down towards full time, the Bengals made a final break, but their shot went wide and as the whistle blew for the end a hard fought encounter, Lightning had deservedly come away with a valuable win. As always everyone had played their part and continued to show the fighting spirit that defines the Lightning team. Keep shooting for the moon, boys. Anything is possible if you work hard enough at it and, as JFK himself said, if you accept the challenge and “intend to win.”.

Full Time – Redhill Youth Bengals 1-3 Teddington Athletic Lightning

Goals – Joseph (11’, 39’’), Louis (pen 50’)

Player of the match – Sam – Great debut – hopefully you can play again soon!