Maccabi U16s 1-2 PFC U15s Sun A well ground out win for our depleted group this morning. With 5 regular squad members out through illness and injuries it gave us the opportunity to give run outs to our PFC Dynamos player Isaac Neill and trialist Ellis. The game started slowly as both teams got to grips with the bobbly surface, playing our fast passing game was always going to be difficult but the lads worked the ball well out from the back. Max (LB) Harrsion B (CB) and Ellis (RB) saw plenty of the ball as we built out from the back. Pete and Marley (CDMs) set about controlling the space in front of the defence and getting the ball out to Kyron and Dayne on the wings regularly. On 8 minutes we went close, a nice diagonal ball from the busy Raph found Kyron on the right, he powered into the box and forced a super save from the keeper who parried the shot onto the crossbar. More of the same came from both left and right as the lads attacked. A shot from Luca on the left went narrowly wide and Dayne and Hashim had chances too. On 20 minutes Marley was clipped on his ankle in the centre and replaced by Isaac for treatment. The challenge wasn’t a good one. On 30 minutes, Maccabi were awarded a penalty for a strange decision by the ref. The ball appeared to have gone out of play in our area, Ellis was shielding it out of play as their striker pressed. The ref, still in the centre circle adjudged the ball to still be in play and awarded the penalty for pushing. With all our faith in Harrison, he guessed the right way and pulled of a great save diving to his right ????The remainder of the half played out with any real chances created by both teams. HT 0-1. We spoke in the break about linking our passes more in the final third and once again our work rate of the ball was a little off point. The second half started well for us, we enjoyed more of the ball but needed to move it a little quicker in possession. Maccabi we’re pressing higher but leaving gaps in the middle for us to work the ball around. On 51 minutes, we were caught once again by the referee’s decision making. Luca just inside the edge of our box was adjudged to have handled the ball although it was clear to everyone that the ball lifted from his foot onto his arm. This time Maccabi didn’t miss 0-1. No dramas from the lads and they started the build up again from KO and it wasn’t too long before we drew level. On 58 switch giving Hashim a rest, putting Dayne up top and re introducing Raph made an immediate impact. The ball was worked to Luca on the left, his through ball was the perfect weight for Dayne to run onto, the keeper could only parry his effort which fell kindly for Kyron running in at the far post 1-1. 5 minutes later the score line was turned, this time a long ball played down the left towards the racing Luca he took it into his path and guided the ball into the bottom right corner, despite the keepers best efforts, 1-2. Legs on both sides were getting heavy on the soft pitch but our lads had enough in the tank to manage the game out, final score 1-2. MOTM, Isaac - Had a superb game at CDM stepping into the team. His partnership with Pete was excellent and his composure on then ball was great. The Easter break should allow us to get player back to full fitness ready for a big end of season push for league promotion and a big cup semi final. Well done lads ????????
