RAF MDS 3 Royal Netherlands Air Force 1
The RAF Men’s Football Development Squad were again in action following their superb display beating their Royal Navy counter parts back in early March to win the Interservice Championship. This time they faced the Royal Netherlands Air Force for the annual Presidents Cup. The match was held at Telford United AFC’s ground on Wednesday 13 April 2011.
From the kick off both teams where quick to settle into their contrasting styles of play, with the Dutch preferring a patient building approach opposed to the RAFs quicker tempo. The RAF took the first chance of the game after some neat play through midfield from SAC Ellis who found SAC Smith to cut inside from the left into the Dutch penalty area striking a stinging low shot, leaving the Dutch keeper struggling to keep hold, however eventually scrambling to secure the ball.
On the 20 minute mark the hosts again found a clear chance at goal from a well thought set piece outside the Dutch area. SAC Lowe found the ball out wide on the right, accurately crossing into the area finding SAC Groves to fizz it back across, with SAC Lowe narrowly missing at the far post with a glancing header.
The RAF now a consistent threat where unable to convert another set piece after SAC Brownhill was brought down 25 yards from goal, a thunderous drive from SAC Morgan-Hyatt being diverted by the Dutch wall. From this and against the run of play, the Dutch broke the deadlock after their left midfielder ran through the back line to drive the ball past the RAF goalkeeper, SAC Chorley. Almost immediately from the kick off the chance to level the match fell to SAC Smith who ran on to a delightfully weighted pass from SAC Brownhill, only for his shot to strike the inside of the upright and rebound into the body of the stranded keeper and out for a corner.
Into the second half, the RAF determined to make their mark in the game, found SAC Brownhill latching onto a deep cross from the left from SAC Morgan-Hyatt to side foot a superb strike past the Dutch keeper. The impact of the goal raised the spirit of the side and following some creative play through midfield from SAC Ellis, the RAF won a corner, which SAC Morgan-Hyatt found the third goal of the game with a volley from inside the box.
Now completely on top, the RAF creating chance after chance, found SAC Rockey out wide on the right to deliver a stunning cross to SAC Brownhill who took the ball down neatly, side stepping the Dutch defender to slot home into the roof of the net. Following his fantastic display, SAC Brownhill was awarded ‘Man of the Match’ by his fellow squad members.
With the game won and an excellent performance all round, the RAF lifted the President’s Cup in front of the main stand, presented by the RAF FA Director of Representative Teams, Wg Cdr Keith Watt. This capped an impressive season for the Men’s Development Squad who have seen a number of the players already progressing to the Senior Squad. They are very well placed for next season as the majority of the Squad are still under 23 years of age and therefore will be eligible to compete in the Inter Services competition and President’s Cup next season..
RAF Squad
SAC Chorley – Odiham
SAC Lowe – Benson
Cpl McWilliam – Chicksands
Cpl Williams – Cosford
SAC Morgan-Hyatt – Lyneham
SAC Clough-Massey – Northolt
SAC Morrison – Brize Norton
SAC Ellis – Cosford
SAC Smith – Leeming
SAC Brownhill – Benson
SAC Groves – Cosford
Subs
SAC Hall – Waddington
SAC Franco – Waddington
SAC Francis – Benson
SAC Rockey – Brize Norton
Sgt Boxhall – Cranwell
SAC Speck – Odiham
SAC Burgess - Odiham