In our toughest encounter ever, against an exceptionally talented Wallsend Boys Club side , we showed tremendous attitude and played some great football of our own in a very entertaining game played in the right way.
First quarter we got caught out by the sheer speed of the Wallsend team, who broke as a unit and so we were often swamped at the back as there passing got round our defence. Some excellent teamwork passing resulted in three quick goals, but we kept in there and a long Aaron kick wasnt dealt with by the Wallsend Keeper and Elliott was in the right place to smash the ball in from very close range. One more goal for Wallsend resulted in a 4-1 scoreline at the end of the first quarter.
To counteract the pace of Wallsend decided to switch Elliott and Sam to wingback roles, and this helped us to keep our shape and defend better as a unit. In this quarter Aaron made countless fantastic saves, while James was as consistent as every in the middle cutting out the dangers. The only goal in this quarter was a stunning long range strike into top right corner from distance. Nothing any team could have done against that kind of strike. Taylor & Harry had come on this quarter, 5-1 end of second quarter
Keeping the same shape we continued to do much beter, with Elliott doing some great work at the back, they scored a 6th through fantastic passing football, but on a break away we got our second, Elliott finding Harry who took his time and passed back to Elliott who finished cooly to make it 6-2. Another excellently worked Wallsend goal made the score 7-2 at end of the third.
Fourth quarter and again the committment and desire to do our best was evident, putting in some great tackles all over the pitch. A long range strike and another well worked effort gave Wallsend there final two goals, but in between we got another. A long kick from Aaron found its way to Harry and despite the attention of the keeper, and defender he managed to guide the ball into the corner of the net, a good reward for working hard Harry.
Considering that almost all of their squad are at Newcastle Academy, the work rate from our boys was first class, and attitude after a slow start was superb, after two very hard weeks against powerful strong outfits we have now some better fixtures coming up, and I believe if we keep up the same level of enthusiasm we can go unbeaten to the end of the season. It is all about having the will to win, keeping shape, talking and passing that ball around. Lets keep up the hard work in training, and have a good end to the first part of the season.
Everyone played there part today, but two players particularly caught the eye when looking at the Man of Match decision, Elliott for fitting in so well in new role and managing to still get forward, and Aaron who made some cracking saves particularly in the second quarter. Elliott just sneaking ahead and getting the vote from the Wallsend coach's. But well played everyone in the team, see you all on Tueday 5pm Pegswood, and then Thursday 6pm Ashington Leisure Centre.
