It was a difficult first half for the under nine team.
After doing some very good work in training over the last two weeks, we struggled with some of our passing and movement. The opposing team scored a good goal from distance and as we tried to find our rhythm Alekis got an injury.
With some confusion from the ref, who called me on but didn’t stop play, we conceded a second goal. Even if we weren’t at our best there were some notable performances.
Max was full of running and had some skilful moments on the ball and Anthony made a couple of strong saves. At half-time we regrouped and talked about how we wanted to play. In the second half, we were the team I knew, led by strong work from Captain Jack, Seamus, Eddie and Louis.
We passed the ball faster and better, keeping the pressure on. I don’t remember one shot from our opponents. Isaac broke into their area and was taken out by a tackle from behind, he went off hurt after a hard knock and the disappointment that although the ref put his whistle in his mouth, he didn’t blow.
Finally a great moment of skill by Seamus got us a goal. Isaac back on pitch and showing real determination had some fantastic runs on the left beating players, hitting good crosses, but in the end we couldn’t find the equaliser that our performance deserved. Having mentioned some of his decisions, I would like to offer credit to the young ref who said sorry to me for the second goal at the end of the match.
A deserved mention for Dan who put in his usual whole-hearted effort and fierce tackling and lastly Alekis; who was outstanding in the tackle and with his range of passing and calmness with the ball richly deserved his MOTM award. The first half showed we still have work to do to improve, the second showed what great hearts these boys have. As always I am very proud of them.
Tim