Our final league game of this first batch of fixtures was against a spirited and determined Saracens side. We struggled to contain their direct style that saw them keep us under pressure throughout the match. There was much more to their game though and once in and around our box they played neat football with their second goal being, probably, the goal of the game.
We lined up with the lads that had dug in against Fintan starting the match. With the exception of Tom who then had to deal with 'old people's banter' on the touchline for a while. References to homework and not being very good were made.
The instruction to the team was to start quickly, rather than be passive and let the opposition come onto us to get after the ball and close Saracens down quickly. Start fast rather than slow which is what we normally do. We did start well and put pressure on Saracens, their keeper limited to making saves from long shots. The space was out wide with Louis and Luca having space to run into and then drive into the box. The opening goal came from this outlet. Freddie picked the ball up in midfield, played a one-two with Adam at full-back to then release Louis. His cross evaded the defence and Jorge was there to bravely finish at the far post as the keeper rushed out. 1-0. This was all the more remarkable as the pitch was in such a state that cows might have turned their noses up before stepping onto it...
With a full squad rotation was always going to be necessary and we started to make changes from early in the match to give everyone game time. This did mean that there were a number of interruptions but it did very little to upset the flow of our game. We started with an incredibly strong bench featuring Taylor, Finn, Tom, George and Ryan. All capable of starting matches and in a number of positions such is our strength in depth.
Saracens equalised shortly after our opening goal. The ball was played long down the middle, we let it bounce and that gave their striker the run he needed. He finished beyond Will, in goal, who had very little chance to keep it out. 1-1 but we were dominating play. We needed another goal and preferably before half time. It came from the boot of Jacob. Freddie again at the heart of it. Will's clearance went towards Finn out on the wide left, using characteristically unorthodox tekkers he somehow controlled the ball and brought it down, he then uncharacteristically released it quickly inside to Freddie who played the ball through the middle, Jacob, anticipating well raced through and toe-ended the ball past the keeper. 2-1 and how it would be at half time. Finn had one of his better games and was moving the ball much quicker putting his skills to much better use.
Second half and we scored our third goal, again from Jorge who would go on to complete a hat-trick. Due to interference from a spectator (you know who you are!) all that is known is that Jorge scored. 3-1. Saracens pulled one back to make it 3-2 with their player dribbling well through the box and finishing from an improbable angle. There was then a moment that very nearly ended with brilliance....
George picked the ball up at the back, raced forward in the left wing position. Evaded a couple of challenges and kept going. Slaloming his way through the Saracens players he found himself in the box and almost at the by-line. He cut inside and fired a shot only to see it fly over the bar. A great moment but not quite Carling...
We restored our two goal lead with Jorge completing his hat-trick by lobbing over the keeper. The game would finish 4-2. There were some excellent performances in this match, Ben at the back was calm and steady and, as ever, rarely put a foot or a pass wrong. In centre midfield any combination of, Jacob, Freddie and Ryan were equal parts destructive and creative to keep us ticking over and pressing. Jorge scored a hat-trick after some difficult matches with little to feed on. He then played out wide, and with a wide smile too, to see what that's like ;)
MotM was Luca for a blistering display, particularly in the first half, where his pace and drive saw him take on Saracens at every opportunity. Driving into their half and then into their box. At one point there were three players on him and he still emerged with the ball. He did go onto break his recent scoring drought only to be thwarted by an offside flag. This was an excellent display of determined pacy wing play.
We continue to be strong all over the pitch though and picking an MotM is increasingly difficult each week. It is picked on merit and not to be equitable. As the lads are all performing more and more consistently it is harder - wouldn't want it any other way.
We are now waiting on the other teams to finish their first round of matches and so that the next phase of the league can commence.
This is the business end of the season, squeaky bum time I think it has been referred to as. We will be in Division 1 maintaining our 100% division 1 status in youth football and *probably* (based on the league table and results to date) in a three horse race with Lydney and Painswick for the title. We also have the cup semi-final to come. We have been playing well and had some great results but we have still not achieved anything yet...
There are no further league fixtures scheduled as yet and hopefully when we come to play these games pitches will be improving and so our brand of football can too.
It's simple we need to work hard and be brave!
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