This was going to be an interesting game. Having played the Eagles three times before, we had lost, won and drawn against them (in that order) and we expected them to give us a tough game.
The Eagles won the toss and the Wolves opted to play uphill in the first half. In the opening exchanges Dylan had a shot saved and Nathan put one wide. The Eagles were getting into good positions in space, passing the ball and after just 4 minutes they edged in front with a well taken goal after the Wolves gave the ball away in midfield: 1-0
Sam and Nathan worked some nice passes to Jacob whose shot was saved by the more than useful Eagles GK. A poor throw in (backwards!!!!) was missed by the intended recipient and the Eagles had a clean break on goal which fortunately was brilliantly saved by Cole the Goal.
The Wolves had most of the possession despite going uphill; Dylan had a free kick go just wide and Jacob, Ollie and Tom had shots saved. The Eagles’ GK’s heroics were keeping them in the game however his goal kicks were poor and on 15 minutes he kicked one straight to Dylan who calmly dribbled into the area and slotted home for the equaliser: 1-1.
The Wolves kept up the pressure and just on half-time Jacob put the Wolves ahead after tenaciously battling in the penalty area and the ball eventually got over the line: 1-2
Half Time: 1-2
On these pitches it is becoming apparent that kicking downhill is a massive advantage and the Wolves had done well to finish the first half ahead. Attacking straight from the kick off Charlie got a good cross into the penalty area and Jacob finished well for his second: 1-3.
The Eagles never gave up and looked dangerous on the break. Their excellent Number 8 was getting past our defence with some amazing skills and managed a ferocious shot which Cole did fantastically to get a hand to. Unfortunately the Eagles were first to the rebound and found the back of the net with a simple tap in: 2-3
The Wolves attacked again; Dylan had a shot saved and another into the side netting but the Eagles still looked dangerous going forward and Tom, Nathan, Ollie and William did some fantastic tackling and covering of their runners.
Ten minutes into the half and Dylan got his well deserved second with a super shot into the bottom corner from a great Jacob through ball: 2-4.
Sam was also now passing the ball well and he put Charlie into space though his shot was just wide. Jacob’s hat trick came from some great football. Dylan was first to the goal kick and played a lovely pass to Charlie who then picked out Jacob in space in the area to tap home. Perfect, simple football! 2-5.
The Eagles were now looking tired and were finished off by a fourth goal from Jacob: 2-6.
In the final minutes Sam battled for the ball in midfield and quickly passed to Dylan who then played a nice pass out to Ollie on the left. Ollie made no mistake getting a deserved goal after putting in some great work defending in midfield. Final score: 2-7.
Once again Cole, William and Tom were fantastic in defence, Nathan Ollie and Sam worked tirelessly in midfield and Dylan and Jacob eventually found a way of beating a very good goalkeeper. Charlie is settling in well and created a couple of goals for Jacob.
However, at times, the ball was given away cheaply with some hit and hope passing in midfield. We need to work on ‘heads up’ football and better movement off the ball especially in the final third. We also don’t seem to attack the ball in the opposition’s penalty area, almost standing and watching defenders clear the ball at times.
Lots to work on and the boys can only get better. We’ve had some great results against some decent opposition, however we have our biggest test next week against the Corby Warriors Swords who are also unbeaten this season.
