U10's A find way in freezing fog - back to winning

29 November 2008

Summary
The match carried a strong start, with Albion quickly taking control of the pitch.  After a slight wobble when Broadheath pressed forward twice, midway through the first period, Albion rallied to exert its teamwork and confidence to finish with 6 goals to its credit (including a hat trick by Dan).

Overall the team members played consistently and on top form, with excellent displays of skills and passing and plenty of talking amongst themselves. The substitution strategy also contributed to the team’s success.

First Third
Shortly after the whistle, Will and Dan immediately ignited their partnership up front, passing the ball between them and around the opposition effortlessly.  However they were unable to finish a number of rallies, although Dan did get up close and personal with the Broadheath goalkeeper at one point.  Braden held firm in the midfield, rarely missing a tackle or pass. Patrick saved a cheeky shot from the opposition, and blocked a corner kick well. There were several close shots on the Broadheath net; with Ian  winning several challenges and delivering a cracking shot that just topped the net.

The match continued at a brisk pace and Broadheath scored twice amidst a flurry of arms and legs on the goalmouth.  Albion was not shaken, and Will had a brilliant run up the wing, crossed it to Dan, who scored effortlessly, making the tally (Broadheath 2 - Albion 1).  Broadheath players made a good effort but were never really on the front foot as Albion took charge and exhibited near flawless football.

Alex contributed a number of perfect passes, free kicks and corners, which caused hysteria in front of the Broadheath net on a number of occasions.  Several chances to score arose, but none could be completed. Tom, as usual, refused to allow Patrick to get his hands on the ball by shutting down further attempts by the opposition to score.  A number of his tackles resulted in somersaults and bottom bumps.

Just before the end of the first third, the lads were unable to convert a free kick, which had resulted from Dan being the filling in two Broadheath players’ sandwich.

Second Third
Nathan assumed the goalkeeper position, and Miles and Sam were substituted on for Alex and Ian. Braden continued to have a stormer of a game, and averted a number of potentially damaging situations.  Dan played solid football, just missing the corner of the net. Sam made his debut in the game by protecting the wing and delivering a masterful corner kick, which was just out of reach of his teammates.

Braden then delivered a pass to Dan through the maze, after digging deep to win the ball. Dan spanked the ball into the net to tie the match at 2-2.

For the lion’s share of the period, Nathan was able to defend the goal crease from the few attempts that got past Tom and the rest of the defensive line.

Miles and Sam took charge of the pitch, demonstrating excellent skills and ball handling prowess between them.  They both enjoyed a number of runs on the right side of the pitch into the opponents’ end.  Their persistence paid off, with Will providing support.  Dan engaged with a cross and Miles put it in the slot (Broadheath 2 – Albion 3).  This formula of teamwork continued throughout the rest of the match.

Unfortunately, despite Nathan’s best efforts, Broadheath quickly responded with a goal to once again tie the game (3-3).

Will then attempted to respond even more quickly after a blistering run down the field, but shot over the crossbar by inches. Dan also contributed to a scrum of Broadheath players in front of their net, but Albion was unable to get a final look-in during the second third.

Final Third
Tom and Nathan retired to be replaced by Alex and Patrick.  There was plenty of action in the middle of the pitch as Broadheath showed vigour and drive to gain control of the match.  The aggressiveness resulted in a free kick to Albion, which Alex placed directly into the net from a fair distance.  This incredible shot caused girlie like screams from dads and coaches and a team celebration in the centre of the pitch (Broadheath 3 – Albion 4).

Once the commotion subsided and the match resumed, Braden demonstrated his skills as he took the ball from an opponent through a step over and drag-back, before putting it on Dan’s foot (Strictly Come Dancing awaits).

Alex and Sam became an insurmountable pair in the final third, with battling to win the ball and several excellent passes resulting in massive dribbling yardage between them. Alex delivered another almost perfect lofty shot, which just missed the net.

  
Braden recovered the momentum by lobbing a pass to Dan, who drove it home to achieve his hat trick (Broadheath 3 – Albion 5).  Within seconds, Alex received a pass from Miles, which he finished off for his second goal (Broadheath 3 – Albion 6).

As the match was drawing to a close, Patrick made a horizontal save and then executed an impossible move to deflect a corner kick.

Well done to the chaps for another excellent result and one of the best games they’ve played this season (Broadheath 3 – Albion 6).

Source: C Kirk

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