A tale of two weekends

January 13th 2013
Cheltenham Youth League - League Match
Cleeve Colts U13's V LFRC Cougars U13

This was an opportunity to restore some pride to the squad. The message was simple - step up and match your opponent. Last weekend a failure to do that saw us concede 5 goals in the second half. Today could not have been more different.

Changing the formation to prevent us being over run in midfield we started in a 3-5-2 line up. The back three of (right to left) George, Paddy and Harvey giving us pace in every position. The midfield five were then, again right to left, Sam, Willbo, Jacob, Freddie and Louis. Up front we played our two speedsters; Dan and Luca. We had a strong bench with Dan G, Max T, Max P and Jordan (a late arrival following rugby duty in Bristol). 

Starting stongly and aware of a Cleeve rapid start we maintained possession well using the width of the pitch to good effect. The midfield trio were linking to good effect keeping the ball and standing up to the physical side of the game. On the break we looked strong with Daniel and Luca twitching like coiled springs in attack. Cleeve had the better of the early exchanges although were limited to a couple of long shots that were easy for Will to claim. With the Cougars playing the ball neatly an opening goal was inevitable, a surging run from Luca around the keeper to gently see the ball roll over the line - so gently that there was some doubt as to whether it was a goal or not. Referee blew for it 1-0. The game continued to ebb and flow although the Cougars were maintaining possession in the Cleeve half with Louis, Daniel, Jacob and Freddie all showing lovely tekkers. Cleeve were limited to breakawys with their number 9 showing great strength and power to break free only to be snuffed out by our back three played today for their pace with that exactly in mind.

The next goal went to Cleeve. From a corner their midfield player rose unchallenged to head in at the near post. 1-1. A lovely goal.

From here on in there was only one team in it. With less than 10 minutes in the half remaining Louis opening his account for the team lifting his shot over the outward rushing keeper. 2-1. Max T was now in the game and showed some lovely touches t link the play between midfield and attack. A player that we have really missed in recent weeks for the calmness he shows ont he ball and ability to play a pass. He continued his own excellent scoring run by registering two today.

The midfield trio were very strong today, with Jacob in the centre bolstered by Willbo and Freddie at the start there was strength and mobility in there. Both Willbo and Freddie relishing the physical challenges and Jacob scurrying around picking up all the loose balls and keeping the team ticking over. Jordan came on into midfield for Freddie halfway through the first half showing good physical strength and composure in possession.

Willbo, was the MotM today, playing in an unfamilar role today he stood up to the physical challenges of the game, used his head and strength and showed some lovely skills playing through balls into the channels and towards the strikers.

The half finished at 2-1. The team talk was simple - to keep playing the same way. To stand up to the physical challenge that would be coming at the start of the second half.

In reality we never looked in danger in the second half. With a brace from both Max T and Luca (scoring a memorable hat-trick) and a fine strike from Daniel who can generate incredible power with seemingly no back lift we were 7-1 to the good. More changes were made with the team reverting to a back 4 with Harvey, who had a very good game at the back, making way for Dan G. With rotation through the team now really making an impact to the pattern of play this was as much of a team performance as this group has ever put together.

The most pleasing aspect was the ability to learn from the previous week and put it right. The lads were not bullied or harassed off the ball today and played to win. A firmer less heavy pitch definitely helped the team with some of the passing just sublime. The goals were all team goals with the back three playing making great decisions, brining the ball out calmly when able and being more direct when under pressure.

Today we showed excellent team spirit, great respect to the match official and our opponent and a willingness to play for each other.

Much better to smile and let your football do the talking.