To get our boys ready for next season and the step up to 9-a-side weve arranged several tough friendlies commencing with a game against a very strong Failsworth team, who not only have won their league but are fresh from winning a tournament last weekend in Wales. We saw this as an opportunity to give boys from our Roma team a chance to show their qualities at a higher level with Finn, Dylan and Cameron drafted in to the squad.
We started off playing a 2-1-2-1-2 system which caused them a lot of problems early in the game with Cameron breaking forward from the 'top of the midfield diamond' unmarked and with a little more composure we could have been in front long before we actually took the lead when after a neat one-two between Ryan and Dylan, Ryan played a wonderful through ball for Cameron who just beat the advancing keeper to put us 1-0 up. Failsworth had some outstanding individuals on show, however, our boys work rate and closing down was making it difficult for them, however, they showed a couple of touches of quality which were either saved by Daniel or snuffed out by the outstanding Thomas Dy and Thomas M. Our play deserved a second goal and it came just before the break when Flynn was on hand to turn the ball in after another excellent through ball. So at the break we led 2-0.
We made several changes again at the start of the second half and encouraged the boys to continue to work hard and get the ball down and use the wide areas as much as possible. Our third goal was a wonderful team move, wih Thomas Dy getting the ball from Daniel and playing a lovely ball into Max who gave a fabulous pass to Flynn, who had arched his run to stay onside in the left wing channel, he crossed superbly, first time, on the run, and Finn sprinting into the box in front of his marker finished clinically with a first time right foot shot that flew in the top corner !! Everyone watching the game applauded what was a marvellous team goal !!!!
It was soon 4-0 when from a Cameron corner, the Captain Thomas H, headed home superbly. The boys were full of confidence and looked dangerous on every attack. Flynn made it 5-0 when he played off the shoulder of the last defender and was put through by Thomas Dy and finished clinically and ruthlessly. Again we made a few changes which slightly upset our pattern and organisation and this allowed Failsworth to show their class as with time on the ball they certainly had the ability and after a wonderful strike had made it 5-1 they were soon awarded a penalty which seemed harsh on Thomas Dy, which they duly scored to reduce the arrears even further. They now had the bit between their teeth and were winning first and second balls as some of our boys tired and lost a little shape. Daniel made a couple of good saves before he was beaten again to make the score 5-3. We made a couple of changes to put a little more experience in key areas to ensure our shape and ball retention was better for the final 10mins. We had a couple of opportunities to extend our lead but their keeper made some good saves and they pushed hard to close the deficit but we held firm and ran out worthy winners of an excellent game 5-3.
A big thankyou to Freddie Gent the referee who did a great job in helping the boys throughout the game. Also thanks to Lee and the Failsworth boys, whom im sure we will see more of over the coming weeks and months in tournaments and friendlies.
This was an excellent run out for both teams and from our perspective it was great to have a look at the Roma boys up against a top class opposition. Everyone contributed to an outstanding game, with all the boys learning quickly about the rule changes for 9-a-side. The boys voted for Man of the Match and congratulations to Finn McGroggan, who deserved it purely for finishing off that wonderful team goal !!!!
Both teams are at Altrincham FC on Sunday 8th May 12-3.15pm for their annual 6-a-side tournament.
