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darrens
Unicorn Gold Reporter
United Kingdom
27 Posts |
 Posted - 04/05/2007 : 10:53:27
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It was ironic in the week that our EGM debated the sizes of squads required for the different size teams our players compete in that we took to the field in this round-robin match away at Meadowside with only 8 players for an 11-a-side fixture!
For the first few minutes the boys looked second best as they adapted to their new 3-3-1 formation with skipper Ben vacating his central midfield role for a stint between the sticks. However, we soon cottoned on that if we tried to play our usual pass and move footie, especially in the hot conditions, we could get something out of the game. Halfway through the first half, lone striker JP burst through four defenders, rounded the keeper and tucked away the opening goal. George, Mitch and Andrew were sliding along the backline and mopping up the numerically advantaged forwards ably assisted by Sam Storey, Elliott and Ally from midfield and even JP racing back to cover when his lungs allowed! Ben was in fine form resplendant in his emergency bib and adult goalie gloves and our workrate was tremendous - cries of "I'll pick up these two" and such like were heard as the boys, and spectators, cajoled the players in their Herculean efforts. Indeed it was Uni who looked more likely to score again, JP was a whisker away on a number of occasions and the keeper tipped a Sam piledriver onto the crossbar.
Half time allowed a much needed chance for drinks to be taken - the boys were purple! Early in the second half Meds found themselves with extra players in our box and despite valiant attempts to clear the ball Meds were able to take a well executed equaliser. Not letting our heads drop we continued to carry on playing the football and within a few minutes Sam cut in from the right touchline and Lionel Messi-like took the ball past four defenders along the 18 yard line and smacked a left footer inside the post.
With less than a quarter of an hour to go our keeper, Sam Speight arrived after hot footing it from a school cricket match to bring us to nine. Meds, however, equalised again, we think, when a speculative lob was adjudged to have entered the net even though it ended up in the bushes behind the goals! To make matters worse, Meds took the lead despite a clear offside and it looked like the effort put in was taking its toll. Not so, as Ben worked his way into the box and was hacked down to gain a penalty which he cooly tucked away to bring us on terms. The players to their credit pushed for the winner but it was not to be and the match finished all square. A tremendous effort by the lads which hopefully will put us in a good frame of mind as we look forward to the League Cup final at Flixton FC, 6.30pm on Thursday 10th May - spectators welcome!
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U12 Division 1 Sylvan Cup
