Match Report

 

Try, try and try again.......

 

After last weeks cancelled fixture there were a few worried faces as the Lions management team arrived to lashing rain. The first five boys to turn up took refuge from the rain in Mus' black cab, whilst the amateur weather forecasters convinced themselves the sun would come out in 5 minutes!

 

In the time it took to collect the goalposts, the sun was shining and all was ready for another interesting game.

 

The visitors today were Uplands, a team the Lions have played twice previously and both games had plenty of goals. Would it be the same this time ............ the answer was YES!

 

Over the last couple of weeks in training, the boys have really concentrated and this is beginning to show in good performances on the pitch. The defensive players are not only marking and tackling, but there seems to be a new found confidence, they talk to each other and this is helping them to maintain their shape.

 

The first half began with both teams looking to pass the ball, chances were hard to come by and both keepers made good saves. Uplands took the lead with a shot from distance beating Freddie, who seemed at one point to have it covered. The set back of going a goal behind did not seem to matter to the Lions, with Henry, Ben and Mike looking organised and strong in the tackle, the midfield pushed forward in search of an equaliser. With Ollie almost going through on goal, the ball broke to Sam who swept it home....

 

As the half went on, both teams made changes and it was good to see that the Lions maintained their shape when players moved position, the whistle went for halftime and it was level.

 

The second half started and it was clear there would be more goals, Zach and Ossie were gaining possession and some good passing lead to captain Ben going through and on his left foot, he found the bottom corner. Tom and Jack were both playing well against the Uplands forwards who possess speed and skill.

 

A foul on Zach led to a free kick being awarded, Mike's shot was somehow controlled by Sam and in the same movement he placed the ball beyond the goalkeeper. The Lions were leading, but could they hold on....?

 

They certainly tried, but not this week.....

 

At the end of the match there were smiles and handshakes from both teams, it is always an enjoyable and exciting game against Uplands, both teams try and play a passing game leading to a real end to end matches.

 

The boys should be extremely pleased with their performance today, the energy and collective effort was great to see and they are now starting to understand that playing as a team is easier than playing as individuals.

 

Freddie sneaked the man of the match award this week, but it was very close with as many as five others in with a chance. It was great to see him forget his mis-judgement in the first half and make a string of great saves, showing that playing with confidence helps. You never know, we might even see him running in training soon!!

 

Thanks today to all who braved the rain and contributed to a really good atmosphere. The football today from both sides at times was excellent, but it's worth remembering they are only 8 and 9 years old and as much as we would like, will never do exactly as planned all of the time....  

 

Don't forget training on Tuesday.....

 

Bumble and JB.  

 

Ps. If anyone else fancies a go with the whistle let one of us know.