Third league game of the season saw us away at Wombwell, a new team and venue for Crofton U11's. Only hope this weather keeps up!
Our team is starting to look a settled one at present - Matthew in goal, Adam, Tom and Oliver in defence, Andrew, Toby and Jack Whitaker in midfield and Nathan and Jack Hewitt in attack, with Lewis starting as sub.
We started very positively taking the game to Wombwell. Jack Whitaker and Andrew looked to create width and get passed the defence each time they had the ball. Nathan and Jack Hewitt both started brightly, closing down the home defence and looking to get into good positions in the box. We forced early corners and had a number of shots both on and off target. Our early pressure was soon converted into goals when Jack Hewitt controlled the ball well in the box to shoot low and wide of the keeper on 3 minutes.
We continued to press forward, Jack Whitaker yet again causing the home defence problems with his mazy runs and more corners came from our continual pressure. We need to work on those corners to create better goal scoring opportunites!
Our defence was solid, having little to do for large parts but when called upon Adam, Tom and Oliver looked in control - we just needed to concentrate.
Our football was good - we controlled the ball better this week , there was less panic when in possession and our balls from midfield through Toby or out of defence from Tom and Oliver to start an attack were much better. Positives to build upon.
Crofton's pressure told and we took a deserved two nil lead just before half time. Jack Whitaker broke down the right and his crossed wasn't cleared by the home defence. Oliver and Andrew had swapped positions on the left and Oliver followed up a poor clearance to shoot passed the keeper to make it 2-0 in 28 minutes; we were well worth the lead.
Half time was all about emphasising we'd done "half a job" and to push on. Lewis came on and linked well with Nathan and then Jack Hewitt. Nathan was very strong in the second half and constantly pressurised the home defence, chasing and winning balls back -I tell you what Nathan - we won't mention the miss!! However, his effort was rewarded with a good goal on 33 minutes; decent effort and shot beat the home keeper to make it 3-0.
Good think about today was the fact we were hungry for more and we never gave the home team a second on the ball. on 36 minutes Tom took an excellent free kick over the top of the home defence that Toby controlled, took down and shot passed the home keeper. Great to see the team working out a move of there own that worked. 4-0.
Overall this was a strong performance from Crofton - we controlled large parts of the game, forced numerous chances and keep getting into shooting positions. Matthew had little to do in nets but kept his concentration well. Adam yet again was strong, Tom composed and creative, Oliver quick and adaptable and in midfield Andrew ran hard and tackled strongly, Toby was always industrious and Jack Whitaker just scares the opposition defences with his constant, direct running. In attack Lewis, Nathan and Jack Hewitt all played well and are thinking more and more about there lines, chasing down the defence and looking for space.
We have much to build upon but are improving. Lets keep working and your rewards will come. Good effort from all; well done.
See you Wednesday at training. 7pm.
