23/03/2025
It was an end to end match today as the Falcons welcomed Harpenden Colts Rhinos to Westfield for their penultimate competitive game of the season.
As was expected for two teams separated by only 3 points in the table, this was a really close encounter, as had been the reverse fixture several weeks ago that the Rhinos had nicked at the death.
In a fantastic opening 20 minutes for Nascot Wood, Dexter opened the scoring in the 10th minute with his eighth goal of the season; calmly slotting under the keeper after a great through ball from Ananmay. Perhaps the purples should have increased their lead by a couple of goals as great chances came and went, but as the game started to turn it was the visitors who scored next, capitalising on a defensive mix up in the 27th minute. However, with seconds to go until half time, the Falcons regained a well deserved lead; Max making a brilliant run into the box to connect with a fantastic free kick from a mile out by Zain and volley high into the roof of the net.
A difficult period for NW endured following the restart and thirteen minutes into the second half, Harpenden equalised again with a shot from range that Alex in goal could do little about as it crept under the bar. The Falcons hit back immediately though, a minute later, as Max doubled his tally for the day and for the season (mathematicians: can you work out his season total…?) For the statisticians, this was the third week in a row that the boys had scored from a corner and the second that the set piece had been whipped in by the right boot of Haroon). The win, alas, was not to be as the Rhinos levelled once more around the three-quarter mark.
Ultimately, the draw: a fair result, and another great team performance from a constantly improving U15s Falcons side. Special mention to birthday boy Lachie who led a disciplined Falcons back line of variously Rory, Joseph, Aarav and Sohum superbly, in front of another solid performance between the sticks from Alex. Mentions also to Ananmay and Shaan who led the front line alongside goalscorers Max and Dexter and goal-assisters Haroon and Zain; and to Akira who put in another excellent battling performance in midfield alongside Joey.
One game to go…