| Match Report |
Another local derby saw us venture to Wimbish for a game against one of SWCFC’s many teams. Alex was missing because of his sister’s birthday (such things should be outlawed), but otherwise we were at full strength. It was clear from the first quarter the teams were evenly matched. Vale started on fire and Sam put a couple of great through balls in behind the SWCFC defence, although we weren’t able to break quickly enough to make these count. At the other end Albie and Alfie kept chances to a premium, although Rhys was still required to pull off one great save from a long distance shot. There was nothing between the teams and so onto the second quarter. This time it was Patrick orchestrating matters from central midfield and it was one of his jinking runs that saw EYFC draw first blood. From the left wing he jinked past three players before turning the ball into Rhys, who grabbed his first assist of the season by turning a defender and leaving the ball for Albie to continue his goal scoring run. Unfortunately, despite some good possession (and a lot of throw ins because the referee was rather stricter on these than is usually the case!) we were unable to score again. Albie was withdrawn, but the team switched off as soon as this occurred and allowed SWCFC to level the scores. Mia, who has been coming on leaps and bounds in recent weeks, both on pitch and in goal, made a great save, but SWCFC struck again with another good finish from the angle, with a cross field ball cutting out the normally unbreachable defensive pairing of Sam and Frankie. An indiscretion from Frankie (which will not be repeated) then saw him withdrawn, but despite more good possession the deficit remained. Onto the third quarter, and the teams had now changed ends so we had the advantage of both a slight slope and a breeze. Despite this, and more good possession, we were still unable to score and SWCFC, against the run of play, managed to get another. Again, this came from a cross to the far post to an unmarked player and evidence we need some practice on checking if there are any free players behind. Onto the final quarter and a change of formation saw Frankie return to the fold to marshal two other defenders, Alfie and Vale. This meant a lot of work for Patrick and Albie in midfield, but they all did tremendously well and it is something we will certainly try and again in the future. We were now exerting some good pressure on the SWCFC goal, but we couldn’t manage another goal to reward our great play, despite a number of games of pinball inside the SWCFC area. Again, we fell to a narrow defeat and again it wasn’t deserved, but all the kids continue to improve so no-one should care. Everyone played well and Alfie, for the first time I can remember, said he really enjoyed himself and didn't want to come off! Patrick, Sam, Rhys (who kept a clean sheet when in goal) and Alfie deserve particular mention, but Albie was named player of the match for a tireless performance. Well done everyone, a win is just round the corner. :)
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