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Monday, February 08, 2010

Under 10 Blues Suffer Narrow Defeat

Wow, we finally got to play some football once again this Sunday - it’s only been 54 days since our last match, so perhaps it was no surprise that the team looked a little rusty in the opening exchanges. Having found out quite late on Friday that our Gresham’s pitch was waterlogged, thanks should go to Achilles for agreeing to switch the fixture to Sprites Lane School at such short notice, ensuring we finally got back out on to the football pitch.



A couple of late call off’s by Josh and Liam (hope you’re both feeling better boys) meant only 8 of us travelled across town – well story has it that Angela Leech more than travelled across town, but held her own private treasure hunt – the prize being arriving at Sprites Lane School (eventually). Any parent who is expecting a baby soon may wish to consider contributing toward Angela’s proposed purchase of a Satellite Navigation system – or opt out of a home birth !



MARK H took the captains armband following some minor changes to the team saw MARK start at the back alongside JACK, with PHOEBE, KEELAN and OWEN in midfield and SAM up front. ASHLEY took his usual place in goal. Achilles started well and put IVR under some early pressure but IVR coped well. The front runners for Achilles were proving quite tricky and elusive, so JACK and MARK were put under considerable pressure, but a couple of good stops by ASHLEY helped keep IVR in the game. Good football involving KEELAN, SAM and PHOEBE saw SAM have a couple of early shots at goal, but he didn’t trouble the Achilles keeper. An excellent passage of play saw Achilles take the lead as they broke clear of the IVR defence for their forward to finish well. KEELAN was getting through plenty of work in midfield, but to be fair the guys looked a little out of sorts after their enforced lay off and our usual slick passing was not in evidence. PHOEBE and OWEN continued to work hard on the wings, but were up against some good players today and struggled to get in the game. Up front, SAM was battling hard and showing some good touches and turns, but just couldn’t find his “shooting boots”. TOM was introduced just before half time, to see if his enthusiasm would rub off on some of his team, but in truth half time came at a good time as the guys looked to be getting tired….and a little frustrated and hurried on the ball.



Half –Time 1-0 to Achilles



The half time talk was all about being more confident in possession, taking their time and increasing the effort and at the start of the second half this seemed to be working. Players were starting to look to pass to one another and seemed more comfortable in possession. Unfortunately we suffered an early set back as Achilles doubled their lead from a corner. A good ball in to our box was not dealt with by the defence and found its way past ASHLEY. We weren’t down hearted though and the team continued to play some good football. In fact, it seemed like going a further goal behind had really given the team a burst of energy as we looked to dominate the game. They say when you’re on top you need to score and that’s just what we did. A great through ball by KEELAN saw SAM through on goal and he finished coolly in to the corner of the net. This seemed to encourage IVR and we dominated possession for a while, but just couldn’t find another goal. A handball by an Achilles defender when the ball seemed certain to get through to SAM went unpunished and not long after ward Achilles made the game safe with heir 3rd goal of the morning.



In the second half JACK and MARK had begun to look the accomplished defenders we know they can be, so it came as disappointment to see Achilles score again – that’ll teach me to think we’re gonna go on a win this one !



KEELAN caught a nasty knock on his knee when he was too quick for an Achilles defender. Another shame as if he had been able to get through he would have been clear 1 on 1 with the keeper. However, he soon recovered and was on his feet again. TOM was getting through plenty of work on the left wing, helping out his defence as well as getting forward to support the attack. OWEN came back on, on the right side of midfield, which seemed to suit him as he was able to cut inside and use his left foot to good effect at times.



The game was beyond IVR today and we had to settle for a 3-1 defeat. However, considering we hadn’t played for so long it was an excellent performance by the guys – especially bearing in mind Achilles are 3rd in the League.



Our thanks to Achilles for being great and sporting hosts. Thanks also to the referee who was very fair for both sides and handled the game well. We look forward to seeing you all again soon.



Finally – we asked our hosts to select our Player of the Match who was JACK GOODCHILD – well played JACK. Other special mentions should go to SAM for a battling performance up front, TOM for his performance in midfield, MARK for his composed defending and to ASHLEY for 1 or 2 good saves.



Next week we are away to Stanton in the League. See you all at Training on Tuesday.



Thanks……







Andrew Cudmore

Bob Pipe

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