The under 11s played a match this Saturday and as seems to be usual with this team, it turned out to be another November firecracker ending 4 – 3 to Priory Park.
The match turned out to be a feisty affair. Matters began with the opposing team manager not having his identity cards for his players which resulted in a twenty-minute delay while he returned to his car to obtain them. Having obtained them they were incomplete which led to a further delay. To add spice to the match, the opposing manager then said in earshot of Nicki, “lets smash this team for making me get the ID cards”. What more motivation do you need?
The match then started and straight from the kick off Roundwood scored. Their player waltzed through the middle of the Priory Park team and coolly slotted it home. PPFC quickly equalised via Michael, a well-placed shot that the keeper should have saved, game on.
Roundwood then took the lead again via a long through ball from midfield that their forward beat Millie to. Once again PPFC equalised, via another well-placed strike from Michael. Honours equal at half time, although at this stage Roundwood were on top. The half time team talk was more of the same, in particular it was stressed that Theo and Donnito had to get closer to their midfield players, I felt if they did this we would win the game.
The second half was a tight, nervous affair, neither team wanted to give ground it was end to end with both teams having opportunities to score. A good run lead to Yusuf, a second half sub for Theo, being fouled in the box a penalty to PPFC, surely this was it. Michael stepped up struck it well and for the fourth time this season it was well saved by the keeper.
To add insult to injury, from the keeper’s penalty save, Roundwood broke and scored: 3 – 2. The lads kept going, and after good work from Nicholas on the right, we were given a free kick on the edge of the box. Up stepped Michael who had just missed a penalty to rifle the free kick in to the top left hand corner, what a goal 3 – 3 and all to play for.
Two minutes to go, a break on the left saw Tana put Michael through one on one with the keeper, his first shot was saved only for him to slot in his and the teams fourth 4 – 3. PPFC held their nerve for the last two minutes to earn a well-deserved victory.
The team for the second week running were excellent, they passed it well and thought for every ball. Special mention to Theo, Yusuf, Michael and John although my man of the match was Nicholas, truly outstanding he has the makings of a very good right back. Well done lads keep up the good work.
John