U9 Jaguars hampered - by lack of space

26 September 2009

First Period

The Jaguars started well with Harry B and Robbie having early chances to test the Urmston keeper before Harry W cool shot past the keeper gave the Jaguars a deserved 1-0 lead.

This stirred the opposition into action and they quickly carved out two chances in quick succession with Oliver making great saves & blocks on each occasion. The pressure then told and from a corner driven into the Jaguars' box, an unlucky deflection by Kieron made the score 1-1, probably reflecting the balance of play. With Steph and Sam looking solid at the back, Jaguars continued to press and carved out a couple of late opportunities but the period finished level.

Second Period

With Joe & Josh on for Harry B & Sam, the Jaguars started the period very strongly, with Harry W having a great shot saved and then another shot which went past the keeper via a touch from Robbie for 2-1 to the Jaguars. Kieron, Josh and Joe continued to find good balls through to the front players and Robbie and Harry W had several shots between them which either were saved, hit the side netting or went just over the bar. Oliver made another great save when Urmston were clean through, but shortly afterwards, Harry W chipped in a great cross-shot which went in off the underside of the bar for 3-1 to the Jaguars. James was introduced and put a great ball through to the forwards but the period finished 3-1.

Third Period

The final period started brightly with Rob and Josh being denied by the Urmston keeper and Steph tracking back well to deny the occasional break by the opposition. The game was set up for a nervy finish when a hopeful ball through the penalty area was missed by the Jaguars' defence and forced home by Urmston to narrow the deficit to a single goal…Urmston sensed their chance and pushed forward in search of the equaliser but their shot went wide. The final chances of the game fell to Harry W who saw his first shot saved and his second go narrowly wide. The final whistle blew and a relieved Jaguars' team, coach & supporters breathed a sigh of relief for another league win, this time by the narrowest of margins.

Summary

Not the best Jaguars' performance to date but everyone played as a team and worked hard to ensure the victory. Urmston were a handy side although on the balance of chances created, the Jaguars' could perhaps have had the match wrapped up before the third period. The unusually narrow pitch did not aid open play and led to densely packed areas on the pitch which made it more difficult than normal to find space especially in front of goal..

Man of the Match

Unanimous vote for Harry W who scored two goals and made the third - always looked threatening when driving forward towards the opposition goal.

Source: M Harney

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