U18s White Vs Arnold Town Blue U8

Our first match of the season saw us travel to Arnold Town Blue, a team which plays in a higher league than us, and after a good show at the Cotgrave Tournament the previous week, this was a game we were all looking forward to.

Mikey had shown an eagerness to play in goal, and after his heroics between the sticks the previous week, he was the first name on the team sheet. Nathan started in defence, with Michael & Emin forming a partnership in midfield, supporting Dan in the lone striker role.

We started on the front foot, but soon realised we were going to be in for a physical game, with one or two hefty challenges going in from the opposition. Soon Arnold threatened our goal, but with some composure from Mikey in goal & some brave defending saw us clear our lines & Emin took the ball forward, and with Dan breaking into the opposition goal area, Emin looked up and put in a cross. The ball was handled by a defender just outside the box & the referee blew for a free kick. Nathan stepped up to take it & with the ball hitting the back of the net, left the goalie with no chance. A great way to take the lead.

Changes were made after 10 minutes with Eddie slotting in at the back, Nathan pushed into Midfield alongside Coby & Gazza upfront. We still controlled the game even with all the changes & even moved up a gear, creating chances, and it wasn’t long before our second goal was scored. With us putting pressure on Arnold’s goal, a mix up in their defence, Gazza deftly lobbed their keeper, a great way to end the half.

Changes were made again going into the second half. Initially Mikey was only going to play in goal up to half time, but as he was playing so well I asked him if he would like to continue and was happy to do so. Eddie continued in defence, With Emin & Michael coming back into midfield & Dan upfront. This was a more evenly matched period of the game with both teams creating numerous chances. Dan was terrorising the opposition defence, forcing them into fouling him, but the referee seemed very reluctant to give any free kicks our way. There was a shout for a penalty also after Dan had been tackled from behind but this was also waved away.

For the last 10 minutes Nathan replaced Eddie, Coby came on for Michael & Gazza replaced Dan, who had really put himself about and probably deserved a goal for his efforts. One of the best moves I’ve seen us play was to follow. Arnold went on the attack, but with Nathan clearing up at the back, played the ball out to Coby, who turned his marker & passed the ball to Emin in midfield. Emin and Gazza got a neat passing routine going through the middle of the pitch. Finally Emin set Gazza free of the last defender & with only the keeper to beat, he tucked the ball nicely away in the bottom left corner, a great team goal with a fine finish.

The last 5 minutes Arnold came at us with wave after wave of attack, and although they did manage to score a goal, we saw the game out with some great goalkeeping from Mikey & last ditch defending with our players literally throwing themselves in front of shots to stop Arnold scoring again.

Choosing a Man of the Match was a hard decision this week with every player working extremely hard contributing to the team. There were some fine individual performances too, but Mikey shaded it as he was so composed in his first full game in goal, and having that confidence in the goalkeeper allowed the team to play so well. Myself & Coach Hicks were also impressed with how well the whole team coped with the physical opposition & didn’t allow them to control the game.

Well done team!