U12 Blues narrowly lose to top of the table side

Posted in U12 Blue News ... March 2nd, 2010

Following our good performance in our last match against the team second in the league (lost 3-1) we now faced an even tougher challenge against the top of the table and cup finalists Woodley Saints Lions. We set the team up in a 4-5-1 formation that was successful in the last match, and the lads responded excellently again, with good organisation and keeping a good shape for most of the game. In the first minute a great run from Jack W and cross fell to Louis who shot wide. In the 4th minute they had their first shot which was headed behind for a corner by Ollie P. In the 6th minute we got our first corner but it was well cleared by their defence. In the next 8 minutes they put us under a lot of pressure resulting in 3 corners, one which was headed clear by James M. The defending was good, but a slight lapse in concentration in the right back area in the 16th minute let them in for the first goal. A long crossfield pass from their right found their left winger in a lot of space and he thundered a left foot shot into the roof of the net, giving JC no chance.  In the 20th minute we had our best chance of the game. A good run by Jack W ended with him being fouled just outside the left hand area of the box. Jack W floated the ball into the area and after a few missed clearances, it eventually fell to Jack E on penalty spot but he sliced the ball over the bar. They came back strong for the remainder of the half but their attacks were well thwarted by an excellent display from the midfield, especially Charlie C. In the second half JC made a good save after a few minutes. We then had a spell of good possession, and a good move involving Jack W and Charlie C ended with a free kick to us, but it was cleared away by their defence. In the 9th minute they extended their lead. A cross that should have been cleared by Louis, ended with a shot from the edge of the box that left JC with no chance. In the 15th minute we had our best chance of the half. A good through ball by James M left Bradley a good shooting opportunity just inside their area, but his shot lacked power and was easily saved.  For the remainder of the half it was competitive with few attacking opportunities given to either side through good defending all round. A 2-0 defeat against a very good side was another step in the right direction for us, and we need to maintain this level for our remaining 6 fixtures to try and get off the bottom of the league. Jack W was man of the match for his energy, tackling, great runs down the left flank, and good delivery of corners and free kicks.