After three weeks of pre-season training and the small matter of a 7 a side tournament at Liverpool FC Academy it was back to 11 a side football for The Mavericks as they took on Chapel Town from Chapel En Le Firth in The Peak District.
Despite the distance and still being holiday season it was great to get the boys back in action. Although down to the bare 11, including all the 4 new summer signings, and the sudden downpour when we arrived, all the boys were eager to get going on a fantastic pitch, with an even more fantastic backdrop of the Peak District.
The Mavericks started with Jon in goal, 3 centre backs of Harry O, Danny & Theo, Will and Joe at wing back, Kayden, Harry M & James in the middle of the park, with Jayden up top and Max just playing just behind him.
An even start with both sides a little rusty, many only kicking a ball for the first or second time in over 6 weeks. As the game progressed The Mavericks started getting on top and the Chapel goalie took a couple of great saves off. Eventually after 13 minutes a cross on the left from Joe was finished off by Max in the middle to put Town 1-0 up.
Mavericks kept on pressing and won another corner 2 minutes after the first goal. Some quick thinking from Joe and Jayden saw Joe knock it short and Jayden curl the ball over the goalie into the net at the back post. Many wondered whether it was a shot or a cross however at half time Jayden confirmed it was definitely a shot and he had told Joe that its exactly what he was going to do. Fantastic!
Mavericks were doing all the pressing at this stage but some dogged defending and great goalkeeping saw Chapel hold out until the 24th minute when some loving interplay from Will and Kayden down the right saw Will cross the ball to James just past the far post James some how managed to square the ball to Jayden who finished from 6 yards out. Chapel appealed for off-side but the ref awarded the goal, no VAR here i'm afraid.
James then came off with a knock to his ankle putting the Mavericks down to 10 however hes not the type who will stay off for long and was put back on and told not to do to much, sit at the back and don't overdo it. Theo in turn was pushed further forward until half time.
That was it until half time when Mavericks left the field 3-0 up. Although some good play, at times it was a bit sloppy, losing possession, taking that extra touch, not completing the pass, but what team isn't a little rusty first game back, and at 3 up it was hardly a bad performance.
Another reshuffle was had at half time trying a few players in different positions, however it certainly sounded as if Chapel had been given a ticking off at half time and they came out fighting in the second half.
Mavericks just about dealt with what was thrown at them with Jon in goal, Harry O, James and Theo doing great work. The midfield also had to dig in Danny and Harry M especially in the middle. Considering it was the first match the first 19 minutes of second half made all the boys work. Mavericks still created chances the two wing backs looking to get in behind, Kayden showing some great maturity not giving the ball away and with Max and Jayden about theres always a chance of scoring.
Some great play out of the back saw the ball eventually fall to Kayden who slipped the ball through to Joe who had moved up top put the ball past the keeper top make it 4. 5 minutes later Will set up Max to make it 5 and within minutes Max playing a little deeper knocked the ball out to Joe on the edge of the box on right hand side who curled the ball beautifully in the far side.
With just over 5 minutes to go Chapel were then awarded a free kick on the edge of the box. A wonderfully curling shot looked destined for the far corner until Jon somewhat dramatically, but effectively, tipped the ball round the post, fantastic save which looked to have kept a clean sheet.
However within a minute or so a break from Chapel with Mavericks 6 up and all pressing for more saw Jon exposed and the Chapel run on and put the ball into the net.
Despite the setback there was still time for Captain Danny to get on the scoresheet when he managed to squeeze the ball into the goal from another good corner delivered in from Jayden.
A good 7-1 win, with still plenty of room for improvement, which is certainly a good place to be at this stage.
Man of the match on the day was Kayden, not only for a great assist for a goal but his all round play, general awareness, and decision making when on the ball.
One more pre-season game against Chris Williams Football Academy on Wednesday 4th August before we go into the leagues development games for 4 weeks.
