PPFC U9 1 – The Hill U9 0

One of the many pleasing aspects of Saturday’s match came from training.

The last couple of sessions, even in the monsoon last week, have been on shape; passing into dangerous positions and movement off the ball – to receive the ball. The players showed this in abundance during the match. In the first half we made some very tall players (no ID cards) with good skills look very average. We totally dominated the game with about 6 or 7 clear chances. On another day, with more confident finishing, Jack could have had a hat trick.

We also had a penalty won by a great run into the area by Louis D. It was saved by their keeper, who had a very good and very busy match. It’s hard to highlight individual performances when every player played so strongly. Dylan and Isaac were both excellent on the left, Jack helped create a whole host of chances in the first half by his work and great movement.

Federico when he came on showed how he is getting better with every match and has a whole host goals coming when he breaks his duck. But the backbone of the team were Aleksander and MOTM Tom. They were always in shape to pick up the ball and their passing out wide and decision making was a pleasure to see.

This was demonstrated by our goal early in the second half. Tom won the ball played a first time pass to Dylan on the left, he attacked the space before a through ball put away by our captain Eddie with his third goal for the team and relishing his role as striker. Simple dynamic football.

At the end there was a great save by Antony who came off his line and a truly stunning recovery tackle by a tired having (as always) giving his all, Seamus that earned us the win. I am most proud not of the win, although the happiness of the players at the end was a joy to see, but the way your boys looked like such a confident team with a clear way of playing. That’s the best thing you can say about any team on any level.

Tim