U16 Boys vs Isca

Following last week’s successful trip to Stourport, the U16 boys hosted Isca, who started off their own campaign with victory against Taunton Vale last week - and so would represent formidable opponents. 

A number of the players had played both against and with each other over the years in County, Talent Academies, West Panthers and Lions as well as at school and - if anything - this further added to the competitiveness.

Isca started the first half strongly with their midfield running hard at CHC and combining with aerials. Noah, Ted, Hugo and Sam stood firm - which they repeated throughout the match - but a PC drag-flick gave Isca the lead. 

The CHC midfield of Chris, Max F and Artie increasingly got more onto the front-foot during the second quarter and parity was restored through a sharp Cheltenham break following an unsuccessful Isca PC, which was finished at the end by Lucas.

The second half started at 1-1 with the level of intensity increasing even further and exhausting end to end play. The larger squad fielded by Cheltenham ensured that all of the front players (Zac L, Hugo VM, Alex, Ray, Lucas) could press on rotation from the front and - together with our wide midfielders (Max H, Matt B) - support CHC’s increasingly adventurous forward play; the flow could not be fully stopped and further PCs were awarded to Isca but Henry W made 2 or 3 crucial saves to keep the scores even. 

With the clock ticking down to 70 minutes (and shuffles which are used to separate draws in this league), CHC broke again and the boys were awarded a final PC. A well worked passing routine saw Ted put the ball into the net and ensure Cheltenham emerged victorious. 2-1. Played 2 Won 2 - a brilliant all round performance and a great start to their Tier 1 campaign.