Another Saturday, another win - U-11 Jaguars too powerful for Poynton!

 

After last week’s experimentation, it was a return to more familiar and settled positions. Finlay in goal, a back line of Neil, Tom, Ted and Charlie, a holding midfield of TJ and Hector, and a front line of Jamie, Kieran, Sam, and Natty. Will and Brendan warmed the bench and their muscles, ready for action

 

Poynton came into the game, buoyed by a recent cup run, and having started the season with a scratch side because of defections, it was clear the Poynton manager was confident of a much better display from his team than when the two sides met earlier in the season.

 

The boys were warned that this game was very unlikely to be another thirteen goal exhibition like last time, and if we have learnt any lesson from recent games it is that we must compete and be first to the ball, when midfield play gets (literally) bogged down in wet, muddy conditions.

 

The match started much like previous games, with the Jaguars unable to find any rhythmn, any range with their passing, or get that early goal to provide the confidence to go on and win the game.

 

The Jaguars were also kicking into the sun, which incredibly, brought complaints from the boys that they were unable to play because they couldn’t see –surely a first, especially for a match in mid December! That said, Hector and TJ slowly started to come to terms with Poynton’s midfield and the deadlock was broken by Hector, lofting a great shot from 18 yards past the goalkeeper, after a penetrating cross from Natty was half cleared. 1-0 to the Jaguars.

 

Soon, it was 2-0. This time a corner from the right by Natty, fell to TJ, who in one movement shaped his body and volleyed a superb left foot shot into the back of the net. Quality from the little fella! Great technical skill and 2-0 to the Jaguars.

 

The scoreline prompted a fightback from Poynton. Roared on by their vociferous support, they got right back into the game, tough tackling, getting first to the ball, and were clearly ready to give the Jaguars a battle. The impetus was now with the opposition.

 

At this point Finlay produced a breathtaking save from a Poynton pile driver to keep his team mates in the match. But Poynton’s pressure was clearly unsettling the Jaguars, particularly in defence where all the organisation, that has been a hallmark this season, started to disappear. Indeed it lead to a Poynton reply.

 

After another spell of attacking, a Poynton corner was met by panic and a 'fresh air' kick by a Jaguars defender, the ball then fell into the penalty box, where another Jaguars defender turned his back to the ball under pressure from the Poynton forward. Finlay had no chance. Weak, woeful defending, a bad, gifted goal and the scoreline was 2-1.

 

Thankfully, the boys were able to respond. Soon after, a free kick from Jamie was met by Captain Ted, to make it 3-1 and restore the two goal cushion just before half time.

 

The second half started as the first half ended, save for Will replacing TJ in midfield in an attempt to add some additional strength and bite in the challenges. The match was a competitive, even battle. Poynton didn’t give any of the Jaguars’ players any time on the ball and were clearly not intimidated by either the drubbing they received earlier in the season or by the Jaguars’ reputation and table topping position. The Jaguars were the more composed especially in trying to play the ball out of defence.

 

Kieran was one of those who found it difficult to play his normal game and he was replaced by Brendan, to give the boys some height, power and a target up front to hold onto the ball.

 

Both substitutes then had a hand in the Jaguars’ fourth and winning goal. A throw-in by Neil, was headed on by Will to Brendan, who brushed off two defenders, before smacking the ball into the back of net, redolent of Nat Lofthouse or Tommy Lawton in their prime (look them up on the internet boys!).

 

Final score 4-1 to the Jaguars.

 

Let’s take nothing away from the boys. Another victory to consolidate their position at the top of the table. There were also some excellent well taken goals in this game, but the boys are finding matches are becoming more of a battle on soft muddy pitches, against teams who have now had the benefit of several months coaching and organisation. As league leaders, the Jaguars are also the team that everyone wants to beat.

 

The boys must put back into practice some of the good habits learnt earlier in the season. An organised defence, be first to the ball, and do not be scared of the challenge. Some players also seem to think their job is just to score goals. Not so. We create goals by winning the ball in midfield and helping our team mates to score goals.

 

We start again next Saturday at home to Bramhall North.

 

Goalscorers; Hector (1), TJ (1), Ted (1), and Brendan (1)

 

GBK Man of the Match; Finlay –it has not always been easy being a goalkeeper this season. Only two goals conceded so far, and with a defence playing so well, it has been important for the goalkeeper to keep concentration at all times. Finlay did this on several occasions today making several excellent saves, having safe hands when catching the ball, and making some crucial interceptions. Fin's attitude was fantastic in the Club's Christmas Cup tournament on Friday night and he brought that into this game. Well done Fin –keep it up!