A very pleasing performance to finish our league campaign in style, the win meaning a very creditable second place finish, with a record of 7 wins and 3 loss's. So a big well done to all the boys, some of our football in the last few weeks has been excellent, plenty to build on for next season. The benefit of keeping a settled side has been there for all to see.
Like in the last games against the Hawks, we started on fire, with two goals in the first five minutes. Firstly the ball came to Elliott on the left of the penalty area, not sure who from, and he made no mistake drilling the ball into the net. Some nice passing football then resulted in the second with Elliott putting in a lovely ball to Joseph who placed it into the goal first time for a lovely calm finish. Joseph a couple of minutes later had another good effort saved by the impressive Hawks keeper. End of the first 2-0 Guide Post.
Second quarter and we continued to have most of the game, Harry shooting wide, followed by Elliott going close, and then Joseph forcing another save from the keeper. We finally broke them down in the 16th minute, Elliott laying off to Joseph who took the ball on and returned nicely for Elliott to shoot, the keeper couldnt hold, and Elliott was there to put in the rebound after a scramble. Elliott then was fouled, dusted himself down, and put in one of his trademark excellent long range goals. Half time 4-0.
Then came the "cursed" third quarter, where yet again we played rather poorly at times, what is it with third quarters? Anyone know any witch doctors who could possibly lift the curse? To be fair though we did start well, Joseph took on his man (MORE OF THIS PLEASE SON!), went away from the defender got a shot away which was saved. Sam then had a good shot saved, followed by Elliott forcing a save, Sam just shooting wide, then another long range Elliott free kick was pushed on to the post from the keeper. While Sam then had another shot saved. At the other end though we had much more to do, and it wasnt much of a surprise when the good Hawks striker shot high and with power into the net. 4-1 end of the third.
After a bit of a ticking off and re-organisation, the boys responded in style in the last quarter with Elliott and Sam combining nicely. Fifth goal came when Elliott set Sam away who then passed back for Elliott take the ball on and finish calmly from close range. Sam again set Elliott up for the 6th goal with another good pass, and yet another good finish from the skipper. At the back we looked a lot more composed with Joseph fitting in well at right back. to compliment Harry and James who both had very good games. While Aaron's handling was generally very good and he commanded his box well.
Thanks to Ben & Jack who stepped into the side today with Josh being missing, well played bous. Opposition coach's man of the match was James and agreed he did have a very good game again, but for another five goal haul and excellent display have decided to give a joint man of the match for Elliott and James. On the subject of Elliott, his five goals today took him to a very impressive 43 goals for the season, with around 26 goals coming in the second part of the season. But our second place finished has been all about good team work, with the core 7 players all doing well game in game out, so credit to all the boys!
There will be no stopping of training, and we now look forward to preparing and getting ready for the challenges of U9 football.
Big thank you to all the very supportive parents!
