The Sunday U18s managed by Tom Cope and Jack Gadd faced an unusual 2 game weekend this week. With a back log of games due to recent poor weather and decent cup runs, the lobsters found themselves 4 games behind on the league.

So on Friday night they faced Worcester Park. A young side who they had played in the league playoffs earlier this season. That result ended in a close 3-2 win for Redhill and it was clear that the Worcester Park side could do really well this season.

Under the floodlights on a Friday night, Worcester Park came across to Whytleafe FC and played on their 3G pitch. It was a cagey start and opening 30mins. The Lobsters with 4 key players out injured and only 2 subs available. It was going to be a tough 90mins on a unforgiving pitch. Yet towards the later stages in the first half, striker Rhys Tucker beat the keeper from the edge of the box with his left, delicately lifting it over the keeper and into the top corner. A classy finish and Redhill went 1-0 up into the half time break.

Sensing Worcester Park would come out for the second half fighting, changes were made to try to dominate the game in the first 10mins of the second half. Midfielder Sam Tutt thrown on to string some attacking phases together and link up with strikers. It was a quick half time turnaround and not many made it back into the ground as they were getting half time refreshments. And what a mistake that turned out to be. Sam Tutt completely destroying Worcester Park in the opening 7 minutes. Scoring one, setting up Rhys and then Kelvin. A blistering start to the half and as parents came back out they couldn’t believe the score was 4-0! Those with knocks were rested and this was no issue for the strong squad who continued to work hard across all areas of the pitch in a fantastic performance. Striker Rhys bagged his third of the game, another hat trick for him! A positive 5-0 win which was great considering this was one of the teams games in hand.

The team then travelled to Worcester Park to play them on the Sunday but at their ground which is overlooked by the railway station. A rotated squad, still with injuries meant a call up for midweek U18s captain Robbie. In truth, the game shouldn’t have been played. A brief downpour made the pitch conditions poor and as this was the pitches third game of the day, it was clear that the pitch was easily unplayable. But as the teams were there it went ahead as there was no more rain due.

Again, another cagey opening with the ball mainly being kept by Redhill but Worcester Park having small spells of possession. With Redhill attacking in the 15th min, transitioning well from defending, striker Matt was slid in and calming slotted the ball past the keeper to give Redhill the lead. Half time Redhill were again leading 1-0.

Remembering Redhill were quick out the blocks from the second half, Worcester Park sat off for the first 5mins. Defending well and allowing Redhill to have the ball. But this was well thought out by the young lobsters. They waited for their opposition to gain confidence and press higher and then found space in behind to exploit. Joe Doyle playing as centre forward calmly finished for a rare goal, followed by a goal from Matt. A big 3-0 lead and Redhill looked comfortable. Not one to miss out, Rhys added 2 more goals to his tally and Matt grabbed another. But the best goal of the game came from Kelvin, picking the ball up just inside their half, driving into space, twisting past a few defenders and comfortably beating the keeper low down to his left.

A solid 7-0 win for Redhill, 6 points in 3 days and adding to a great goal difference. A tougher run of games ahead now and hopefully a few players with knocks will be back to boost the side as they look for every bit of success this season.

Don’t forget the U18s are in the Surrey County Cup Final, Wednesday March 25th, 19:30KO at Meadowbank (Dorking Wanderers Ground)

Please come along and support the team!