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Monday, February 15, 2010

U9 versus Bury Town

The U9’s travelled to the league leaders for their latest league match. The challenge was made greater by the early withdrawal of Dion from the squad. However, Dan and I were delighted to take all of the other players as Bury had agreed to play two games, the first the league game and the second a friendly. The Toffees aimed to build on two successive victories in which they scored 16 goals without conceding.

The starting 7 for the first game was Harrison in goal, Ben Barker with Jack Garn at the back, a midfield trio of Alex, Jadyn and Ben Savage with Pacey leading the attack.

The game began poorly from the toffees point of view with little pressure on the ball and Bury were able to force Harrison into decisions and some good saves. We found ourselves bringing everyone back to defend which meant that when we won the ball and cleared it long, it came straight back. A defensive mix up meant that a loose pass fell into the path of a Bury midfielder who showed good potential to strike the ball into the top corner, giving Harrison no chance. At this stage in the game, it was important for Rangers to keep the ball and prevent Bury from building on their lead. Rangers did this well and Jaydn, who was welcomed back into the squad, stretch play wide and on the occasion was able to run at Bury. Jack Garn was having a good game at the back and was able to read the game to make it difficult for our opponents. Ben Savage worked an excellent turn to play into Ben Barker, who had been switched with Pacey to play as a front player. Ben controlled well, turned his marker but hit his effort straight at the keeper whilst off balance. From well struck long goal kick, Bury were able to score to double their lead. This was evidence to the players that although some of their build up play has really improved over the course of the season so far, you have to be clinical and take the chances that come your way. Ben Barker was making a big impact up front and gave us something different and he was again involved in the action when a great run from Alex fell to Ben who moved into the area and forced and excellent save from the Bury keeper to win a corner.

At the break, the players were all in agreement that it was not a bad performance and they were most things right in the way they approached the game, but needed to iron out the mistakes in and around our penalty area which had put them in trouble. Although Dan and I have been coaching the team to play football at all times during games, there is certainly a time and place for a long ball to a wide or front player.

The second half saw Ben Dyer replace Ben Barker. This was in a bid to use longer passes into the channels and to get the Bury defenders chasing towards their own goal. The second half was a quiet half with little action but Bury were able to add two further goals to put the game beyond our reach.



The second game saw all of the players who didn’t play in the first, play the whole game. Harrison continued in goal, Thomas and Cieran in defence, Olivia, who captained the side in the middle of midfield, with Bens Dyer and Barker either side and Jack Amass the front player. Cieran was making his debut after training with the squad for a number of weeks. The match started at a very fast pace with both teams looking to counter when winning the ball and there were a number of early chances for both teams. Ben Barker then opened his body to receive a pass from Cieran to finish past the out coming keeper for 1-0.

Half time came soon after and deservedly the Toffees were very happy with their first half and went out in confident mood. The second half started at a much slower pace and it wasn’t until the final 7 or 8 minutes before Bury began to pile on the pressure and looked like finding the equaliser. This eventually but deservedly came with the last kick of the game when a free kick was whipped in with pace and flicked home. The game was an excellent advert for youth football with both teams working hard to get the best result possible. A special mention must be made for Cieran who was fantastic throughout the whole match and covered every blade of grass. He was solid in defence and posed a real threat when in possession. Well done Cieran!!!



Next fixture is Away to Stowupland A on Sunday.

Dan and I look forward to seeing you all at training on Wednesday at Westbourne.



Toff

Bob Pipe

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