Youth football makes its return
Football-loving youngsters across Sussex rejoiced last weekend when the sport returned.
Grass-roots matches and training are among activities allowed for areas who went into tier two of the country’s Covid restrictions following the month- long lockdown when such outdoor pursuits were banned.
Among those who celebrated the return of the game they love in style were Roffey Robins Atletico under-12s.
They produced a scintillating performance on Saturday with a 7-2 victory against Broadbridge Heath Bears.
This first match post-lockdown saw Atletico score some fantastic goals, with both Romario Moratalla and Aaron Woodhams grabbing hattricks.
Robins manager Ricardo Moratalla said: “I’m delighted with the result and more so with our performance.
“The attacking unit in particular were excellent with some fantastic passing and moving. Every goal was a stunner and I’m delighted we have come out of lockdown with such a strong performance.”
Bears started on the front foot and dominated the early minutes until a clearance was collected at the halfway line by Moratalla, who drove forward and slotted the ball past the goalkeeper to give Roffey the lead.
Bears pulled one straight back although fromthat point it was one-way traffic.
Woodhams grabbed the second with a strike from outside the penalty area as he attacked down the inside left channel.
The introduction of Josh Davidson at the midway point of the first half really changed the Atletico performance.
Mora tall a grabbed his second from as martEuanGul liver pass. Henry D ins dale scored the fourth from a wonderful mazy dribble through the Bears’ midfield and defence.
Luca Harris passed to
Woodhams for Atletico’s fifth and Euan Gulliver created Moratalla’s third.
The second half was more sedate but Jack Dann, Dan Klamm, Tim Clifford and Fin Ledingham were steadfast in defence and keeper Theo Botevyle had little to do, though was assured when called upon.
AD ins dale pass to Woodhams led to his hat-trick before Bears pulled one more back.
Late on, Dann had a goal ruled out for offside and Josh Gibson could have had a penalty.