Under 13 Whites Vs Newmarket Town F.C u9 yellow

Firstly, well done to the team for impeccable observing of the two minutes silence.

Unfortunately, the match plans were dismantled when Rhys failed to turn up and Alfie, who was being given a lift by Rhys’ mum, rushed to the match just in time.  Thankfully, Newmarket played the game in the right spirit and allowed us to borrow one of their players (Costas), which led to an even game.  I am also very grateful to Alex and Frankie, who were happy to share goalkeeping duties and both did very well.  Onto the game and EYFC gave as good as they got.  Costas was playing as the forward and was making some penetrating runs, being ably supported by Albie, Sam and Vale in midfield.  Just reward was eventually received when a Costas cross made its way into the Newmarket net.  Frankie and Alfie were doing a great job in defence and Alex made a couple of saves when called upon, but as is often the case corners were our downfall, at both ends.  Despite some great crosses, we couldn’t get on the end of any of our corners and when we failed to connect with a Newmarket corner they were able to equalise.  So onto the second quarter and this time it was Sam and Albie patrolling the defence, with Alex, Alfie and Vale in midfield.  Again it was an even quarter, but one EYFC ended up winning.  Costas was passed the ball in midfield and broke through the defensive line and ended up finishing a one on one with the goalkeeper with a lovely finish by rolling his foot over the ball and into the bottom corner.  It was a well-deserved lead.  At the switch of ends Alex returned to goal and this time Frankie and Alfie (who was excelling) were in defence.  Albie moved into centre midfield, flanked by Sam and Vale.  Costas remained up front, but was given little service.  Part of the problem was that whereas the Newmarket goalkeeper was “putting his foot through the ball”, we continued to play football.  Newmarket cottoned onto this and closed down our restarts quickly.  The defensive line wasn’t moving the ball forward quickly enough and the midfield started dropping deeper to get the ball, meaning that there wasn’t much forward momentum.  Hopefully, though, this was a lesson well learned.  Newmarket’s pressure told and they were able to breach our defences on three occasions, despite some brave goalkeeper not being rewarded.  So, onto the final quarter and I took a risk.  Sam and Alfie were put in defence.  Costas had a stint down the right wing, joined in midfield by Alex and Vale, with Albie seeing if he could continue his recent goalscoring form.  It should have been inspired management, as Costas was doing some great work down the wing and we were dominating possession.  One of Costa’s crosses found Albie a metre out with the goal at his mercy.  He couldn’t miss, but he did!  Newmarket’s direct style had meant we had been required to show skills not often called upon, with Vale and Alfie showing great bravery in heading their goalkeeper’s kicks.  Despite another even quarter Newmarket were more clinical and got the only goal.  It was a familiar tail, we won one quarter, drew one and lost two.  We have done well so far this season and have been competitive in every game we have played, but without winning.  It matters not (although it doesn’t always feel like it!), so long as the kids all continue to improve.  When doing as asked (keeping the ball, not just passing it), Vale was great and Samuel fully deserved being awarded player of our team by the opposition.  I gave our award to Alfie though, as he was brilliant in defence and made some excellent passes.  Everyone did remarkably well though, especially as we had no subs.  Also, mention should be made that despite some unorthodox goalkeeping over both his quarters Frankie only let in one goal.