U12 Blues just beaten in close fought game

Posted in U12 Blue News, Uncategorized ... March 23rd, 2010

On Saturday we played Woodley Wanderers, who beat us 4-0 in the first game of the season. This time we hoped to give them a better game, especially after our recent improved performances. They are a strong, physical side with a very quick centre forward, so our boys had to match them physically and not allow any through passes for their forward to run onto. In the first half, kicking uphill on a heavy pitch, we had the better of the possession and carved out a couple of half chances that they cleared away for corners. Halfway through the half James M was put through by Louis but his shot from the edge of the box was saved at his near post by their keeper. Any threats from them were well cleared by Ewan, who was getting in front of the centre forward superbly, and not allowing him any time or space to run into. At half-time we were confident of getting a goal ourselves and winning the game. However, five minutes into the second half a ball played on their right midway in our half should have been cleared by Ollie but their right winger was stronger in the challenge, came away with the ball and rifled a shot across JC and into the far corner for the deciding goal of the game. For the rest of the half we had lots of possession but lacked quality in the final third of the pitch and did not trouble their keeper. A disappointing result, against the team in 4th place, and leaves us having to win our last two games to get off the bottom.

 Ewan was given Man of the Match for his superb performance against a very quick and dangerous centre forward. Their Manager actually told Roger that it was the best performance by a defender against his centre forward all season. Well done Ewan!

The performances in the second half of the season have certainly merited us not finishing bottom, and hopefully we can end the season with a couple of wins. The spirit amongst our boys is brilliant considering the season we have had and for that I hope we can end the season on a high.