27/09/2025
On Saturday the I&C District U15s drew 2-2 away to Newham in a friendly in Fairlop.
I&C started slowly, with a lack of tempo in their passing and movement and Newham deservedly took the lead after 10 minutes, scoring with an uncontested shot from outside the box. This seemed to jolt I&C in to life and they equalised inside a minute, Dom pressing the Newham GK and blocking his pass out in to the goal. I&C then started to move the ball with more control and more zip and Dom scored a second goal with a lifted finish over the GK, following a great ball over the top from Justin.
However, despite having much more of the ball, I&C conceded when a long ball over the top wasn't dealt with and the CF got in to drive the ball in high over Jay, who was making his debut in goal.
Half-time 2-2.
Second half, I&C controlled possession in the first two thirds and did create a couple of good chances but were unable to get the finishes on target. Newham had made some changes and were much more of a threat on transition, but the back three of Jared, Max and Sam, who had a very good debut, meant that the opposition had no clear chances on goal that Pip had to deal with.
I&C played some excellent football out from the back but weren't able to nick a winner and the game finished 2-2.
Good performances all round and a solid team work-out.
"It was great to get a game in this early in the season and some of our play in recycling possession within our own half was a joy to watch at times," commented Coach Michael MacNeill "We need to ask more and better questions of the opposition when we are in the attacking third but as an early-season performance, really happy and enjoyed what I saw. The boys themselves said they felt it was a good performance and a game they should have won and they are right."
I&C: Jay (Pip), Justin, Max, Jared (Sam), Joe, Jonas, Ryan, Segun, Ziane, Nahom, Dom.
