| Match Report |
This week saw us hosting Dynamo Foxton, a team we have had success against in the past. It was a bitterly cold morning, but seven of the squad braved the conditions. Preparations were hampered by the late arrival of our coach (me, not a vehicle!), but the kids know what is expected of them and set about their task well. Mia lead the team and was in the sticks for the first quarter, continuing her excellent recent form. She was well protected by Samuel and Alfie, the latter doing remarkably well bearing in mind he wasn’t feeling 100%. In the first quarter our midfield was Albie (in the centre), Vale and Rhys, with Patrick attacking. Foxton have improved considerably from last year and were actually one of the best footballing sides that we have played, with the same philosophy of playing out using the goalkeeper as England are currently adopting, which was hugely impressive. Foxton took the lead, but we were not to be outdone and some great work by Rhys on the left saw him weave past a couple of opponents before feeding the ball to Albie, who rounded a defender and the goalkeeper to pass the ball into an empty net. Both teams showed attacking intent and Patrick was unlucky not to score from a free kick from distance, which was blocked by a defender when heading in. Onto the second quarter, which saw Rhys in goal, with Alfie and Patrick in defence. The midfield of Samuel (in the centre), Albie and Vale worked hard, supporting Mia when possible. Pressure was exerted on the Foxton defence, but there was a lack of penetration. The defence played well and Rhys pulled off some great saves, included one fantastic double save, but at half time we were trailing by two. Rhys remained in goal for the next quarter and this time was protected by Albie and Vale. Alfie was in central midfield, flanked by Patrick and Mia, with Samuel up front. Carrying on from the previous week, Albie and Patrick linked well, but the opponents soon cottoned onto this outlet and we were hemmed in. Even so, we didn’t concede with some excellent teamwork and defensive strength being shown. Onto the last quarter, and we were going for the win. Albie and Rhys were now in defence, with Patrick in midfield flanked by Vale and Samuel. Alfie was going to see if he could get some goals. In this quarter Foxton drew first blood, before Rhys showed exactly what can be done when you play in defence by intercepting the ball and breaking from defence to drive through midfield and the Foxton defence, before rolling the ball past the onrushing goalkeeper into the bottom right hand corner to score a wonderful goal. The team were looking threatening, but it was Foxton who had the final say with a goal to add some gloss to the score. It was a good game in testing conditions, with everyone playing well. The player of the match was unquestionably Rhys though, who had an outstanding game.
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