Five of the best for U10's A - tactics working

19 January 2009

First period.

As seems usual in these games both sets of midfields were involved in plenty of early skirmishes, however Dan was certainly the most energetic player on the field and an early chance was created by a lightening run down the right wing and then a fantastic low cross in front of the Lymm goal, despite his best efforts Alex couldn’t get to the ball and it carried on safely past the net, but a good early sign for us and a worry for Lymm.

Despite Lymms position in the league they are a good side and they certainly weren’t scared of attacking and we had to be on our guard, an early chance for them came when after getting past Tom they were heading for goal but good covering tackles from Ian and Bradon snuffed out the chance. We did however concede a corner but a good header from Bradon cleared the lines.

This was to become a recurring theme throughout the game and a good positive for the guys at the back, who were always alert enough and agile enough to be able to help each other out when necessary.

The hallmark of this period was the excellent passing moves put together by our boys who were certainly trying everything to open up Lymm’s defence. However as much as we tried Lymm were putting up a great fight with good tackling, at times they were literally flinging themselves in the path of the ball and some fantastic saves from their keeper who certainly kept them in the game.

The chances were still coming with a good Calvin header from a Tom long throw in which just skidded wide of the post.

Dan continually caused them problems with his sprints down the wing and a great solo effort saw a shot just go over the crossbar, only to be followed minutes later with a shot against the post following a fantastic pass from Alex which split the defence.

Not to be outdone in the shooting gallery Ian Finney hit a great shot from just outside the penalty area which was only stopped by once again a Lymm defender throwing himself in front of the ball.

All through this period each player did their best, at the back Bradon, Ian and Tom were getting into tackles, heading the ball clear, in midfield Calvin was buzzing around and working well with Alex stringing together some great passing moves, and Dan was on fire, first to every ball.

Finally the breakthrough came, a cross from Alex was only parried away by the goalkeeper and Dan was there to tap the rebound into the back of the net.

The end of the period saw the score standing at 1 nil to Albion.

Second period

A mention needed here for the mastery of tactical substitutions by Andrew Fenton, your match reporter can confirm that during the break the entire focus of the Lymm coach’s team talk and team changes were based on how to stop the threat of Dan.

All this planning was undone at a stroke when for the second period out walk the Albion team with Miles on for Dan, with Will and Sam also joining the fray.

The Lymm keeper was soon back in action.

The second Albion goal came from a fantastic passing move, Bradon to Tom to Sam at the back who passed to Will who found Miles who after a neat bit of skill slid the ball past the Lymm keeper.

Patrick now joined the game taking over from Nathan in goals who had put in a solid performance.

The third goal was soon to follow, Miles was causing real problems now in midfield as opposed to Dan who caused chaos down the wing, some great play from Miles with a pass to Sam who was working his was up and down the right wing, this time Sam put in a great hard and low cross, the keeper was there but again failed to hold the ball and Miles was on hand to tap the ball home.

The danger from Lymm was by no means over, a strong challenge from Tom gave Lymm a free kick from the edge of the box, luckily for us the ball just skimmed over the bar.

Third period.

The team line up for the final third saw, Dan, Sam and Ian in defence with Will, Miles and Alex up front and Patrick in goal

Ian and Sam were soon in action putting in good tackles, and another Lymm free kick again went wide of the post, the current line up didn’t last long though as Will and Dan swapped positions. Dan wasted no time in making the Lymm keeper work hard to put in yet another good save.

Strong shots from Alex and Miles were unlucky not to get a goal.

The fourth Albion goal came from Alex who tapped the ball home after a good cross from Dan

Number five came from Dan who after taking the ball on a run down the wing chipped the ball over the keeper.

Final whistle blew with a good result for Albion.

Our man of the match went to Ian, a mention I think should go to the Lymm goal keeper who without a doubt kept them in the game with some excellent goal keeping and at times very brave work.

Source: J Higginson

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