A new regime for U13s - results in a win

For once the management must be pleased with the performance and reaction by the boys following last week’s very disappointing performance. Everything the coaches asked for in: determination, desire to win and supporting team mates was delivered.

 

This game saw the long awaited debut of Henry in goal. Henry a young Van Dar Sar look alike, quickly displayed his natural keepers ability by pulling off a fine one handed save as the ball was heading to the top corner of the net. This appeared to be the spur to give the boys the confidence to go on the attack.

 

With the mid-field seeing plenty of the ball, (although on occasion getting caught out of position as both Brad and Milan got ahead of the ball), Town were definitely enjoying the lion share of possession and were displaying a new level of determination to win every challenge. With Stretford Vics defending deeply, there was not a lot of space for Boyley & Ol Mehta to exploit, which limited the number of chances although one quality move, showed what the boys are still capable of producing. Ol Ford finding Pete with a fine pass, Boyley turned his defender before threading his pass through to Ol Mehta who lobbed the advancing the keeper, only to see a fine last-ditch clearance by Vics defender. Ol Ford looking fresh, despite the excesses of the night before (shame his Dad could not claim the same!) came close to opening the scoring when arriving unmarked at the far post to meet Deano’s excellent cross, but Ol could not quite direct the ball on target and the chance went wide.

 

Against the run of play, a common theme this season, Town went a goal down. Adam, in a more familiar role at right back, tried a subtle pass to Fordy, which would have worked well on the Astro turf, but was not the right choice on a bobbly pitch. Vics pacey winger gathered the ball and ran with it from the half way line, with Town defenders in hot pursuit and Henry advancing off his line, he coolly slotted home for a well taken goal.

 

Town responded well to this disappointment and almost equalised following a finely taken corner from Lawto (who had another magnificent battling performance at left back) but Fordy's header just went wide.

 

Despite the score line, the boss saw through his plan of mass changes at half time, with Pete & Ol Mehta making way for Dan & Jack and Owain on for Milan.

 

The new forward line certainly gave the opposition something different to think about and very quickly Vics were pressed back in their half. Town’s new central defensive partnership of Jordi and Raife were now in total control winning every outlet ball and it appeared to only be a matter of time, before an equaliser would be scored. Jack found space in the box to turn and shoot wide of the keeper, a fine goal to open your account.

 

With time running out and Town in search of a winner, Pete & Ol Mehta replaced Deano and Ol Ford, who had both run and battled their socks off. Pete should have scored after a fine solo run down the left wing, but instead of shooting across the keeper, he went for the near post option, only to see his shot go the wrong side of the post. His blushes over the miss were saved by Dan, who showed good character to respond to one of the misses of the season, when blazing over from 6 yards with an open net, after the keeper had spilled Jacks’ long range effort. The big man responded with a fine volley from outside the box that hit the back of the net before the keeper moved.

 

The new forward line was now causing Vics defence loads of trouble and with Owain and Bradley bossing midfield further goals should have come, but for some fine last ditch tackles & poor final pass selections. 
 

Hopefully the boys will take a lot of positives from this game. The team have found a new quality keeper and showed that they have the mental and physical strength to go along with the natural skill we all know they have.
 

 

Deano. Not only was the old Deano back on show today, never stopping running and tackling all day (showing the way to his team mates) but a new meaner looking Deano was on display.

 

 

A great debut and showed his worth with a fine one handed save in the first 2 minutes of the game. Made a number of other excellent stops through out the game, which certainly gave his defence the confidence to push forward. Also showed he is not afraid to come off his line and act as a sweeper. 

 

 

Back as an outfield player today and played well as a right back. When in defence, he needs to put his foot through the ball, (as he did when he came close to scoring with a long range shot, that had the management convinced it had gone under instead of over the bar) rather than trying little flicks that don’t reach his colleagues. 

 

 

A solid performance at centre half. Linked up well with Raife and showed good positioning sense through out the match.

 

 

A true captains performance, had a battle on his hand against a very pacey forward, but showed his strength and desire to win and also to come to the aid of team mates who needed support.

 

 

Another 9 out of 10 performance, winning every tackle and finding team mates with his passes. Also delivered some fine corners.

Battled through out, never giving his opposing full back anytime to settle on the ball. Came close to scoring on a couple of occasions but failed to hit the target .
 

 

 

Back to his best Stevie Gerrard performance, winning loads of tackles and making a series of strong forward runs. Just needs to talk more to his mid field team mates, to ensure both are not caught out of position, pressing forward so exposed the defence to quick counter attack

 

 

A MOM performance. Displayed the high school form he has shown all season and refused to be intimidated by the opposition players or management.

 

 

Led the line well in the first half, now showing a willingness to stand up to any aggression from the opposition defenders. Should have scored when put through in the 2^nd half, but shot near post instead of across the keeper. 

 

 

Used his power and pace to great effect in the second half. Made up for the miss of the season by scoring the winning goal with a spectacular volley. Just needs to work on his awareness of other players.

 

 

Started up front and came close to scoring in the first half with a lob over the keeper. Came back on in 2^nd half on right midfield, where his pace caused constant problems. Still had a tendency not to chase every ball, so allowing defenders time to settle on the ball.

 

 

A much better performance, showed some good touches and good vision in finding his team mates. Needs to work on talking with his central midfield partner, as must remember his defensive duties.

 

 

A much better performance, came on as a second half sub and displayed his best school form to help win the battle in midfield.

 

 

A debut goal with a fine turn and shot, Jack certainly brought a new dimension and ruggedness to the forward line, which has been missing, since Frostie left a couple of seasons ago.

 

 

Ol Barton – On the piste with his Dad.

 

George Todd – On the settee with his Xbox. 

 

Bennett Harris – On rugby tour