Due to the recent heavy rain causing multiple postponements, this was Predators’ first match in 5 weeks. The King George’s pitch was still waterlogged so they had to switch the fixture against Selsey to a ground in Littlehampton.
The weather was noticeably chillier and although the morning frost had cleared, the rain persisted with a gentle drizzle for the majority of the match.
This was a Challenge Cup game against a strong Selsey team from Division A, and Predators weren’t helped by a lack of substitutes, only fielding 11 boys in total.
First Half
Selsey hit the ground running with an early long range shot which really tested Ryan, who leapt to tip the ball over the goal and put it out for a corner. The set piece opportunity was floated into the goal where one of the Selsey attackers headed it straight into the goal to put them 1-0 up after just two minutes.
Although Selsey were putting Predators under a lot of early pressure, it was very competitive. Dom made a great tackle and created an attack on the right wing, linking with Curtis and Josh to create a chance but his cross was cleared by the Selsey defence.
Daniel was busy on the left too, putting in some great tackles and then passing to Alex who tried to reach Kallen but the pass was intercepted by the Selsey goalie.
At the other end Jacob conceded a free kick after a tussle with a Selsey player near the corner flag. The ball was floated over but cleared by the Predators defence. Selsey seemed to have lots of space and they created another chance when one of their midfielders dribbled past 3 or 4 Predators players and shot low towards the goal but Ryan turned the ball around the post.
Despite all their hard work, Predators went 2-0 down after 18 minutes, and then Selsey added a third goal with a long range, 40-yarder which flew into the back of the net.
Predators created a nice move on the left with Daniel passing to Mass who moved forward and released Alex on the left wing, who was brought down to win a free kick. Jacob took the set piece but it was too deep for Josh to reach and went out for a goal kick.
Kallen created an opportunity, passing to Mass who forged forward but was tackled in the area to thwart another chance. Curtis and Mass then combined with Alex but a crowded Selsey defence was impossible to penetrate.
Half Time : 0-3
Second Half
Selsey made a lively start to the second half, immediately launching an attack but the Predators defence worked hard to clear the ball.
It wasn’t long before Selsey increased their lead though, when a cross from the right wing was poked into the goal to make it 4-0.
Predators then went down to 10 men with Callan coming off with a back injury.
Mass was fouled on one of his tricky runs in the centre circle and Jacob took one of his signature free kicks, shooting from distance to try and catch the keeper off his line. It almost worked but the scurrying goalie managed to scoop the ball out of the top corner to deny Predators a goal. The ball bounced around and was eventually cleared.
Selsey then scored a fifth goal when they crowded into the area and let rip with a series of shots, one of which was converted into the back of the net from close range.
It had been a tough match for Predators but the loss wasn’t unexpected as they boys know what a strong team they are. They worked really hard and should be proud of their performance in tricky conditions.
Final Score : 0-5
