MATCH REPORT - SELKENT LEAGUE (Autumn): Russellers JFC v JR Spartans - 9th Dec 12 (Away)
Another afternoon kick off, saw us playing Russellers JFC away on a very bumpy pitch. A different formation was used this week, as we tried a 1-2-4 formation. The boys started really well with the midfield four of Lovell, Taran, Callum and William working hard to put several attacks together but also getting back to support the two defenders Ugo and Finlay. The game swung back and forth with both teams having chances, until the 9th minute when Russellers crossed the ball in from the left and unfortunately Lovell's clearance beat Ben to his right hand side. The boys however weren't disheartened and continued to attack their opponents goal. We were then awarded a penalty for handball, Lovell stepped up to the spot and saw his shot only just go over the bar. Taran also went close minutes later having a great shot from outside the penalty box which just went over the bar as well. Finlay and Ugo were also kept busy at the other end of the pitch with both boys breaking up Russellers attacks supporting Ben in goal. In the 15th minute Finlay picked the ball up on the left and had a run down the left hand side only to then hit a cracking shot which beat the Russellers keeper at his near post (great goal Fin :-). Russellers didn't give up and continued to put pressure on our goal but to no avail. Just before half time Ugo came off with an injuried leg and was replaced by Shemar.
Half Time Score: Russellers JFC - 1, Junior Reds Spartans - 1
At half time the boys knew they were in a game that they could win and started the second half even more determined than the first. 7 minutes into the second half we won a corner which Finlay took, the ball was half cleared away by Russellers only for Lovell to pick up the ball on the left hand side of the box and fire in a powerful shot (fantastic shot Lovell), which went through a crowd of players only for William to put the final touch on the ball at the far post. After 12 minutes we went close again following a free kick and some great passing between Lovell and Taran which saw Williams shot just go wide of the post. With 16 minutes gone Taran has another great shot at goal which their keeper just keeps out with his feet. William is then subsititied for George. Russellers then went close from a header set up from a corner on the left hand side. Ben came out to meet the striker and forced him to head wide. The match was getting both exciting and tense. Lovell went on several runs down the left, providing opportunities for Callum, George and Taran. With 3 minutes left Russellers get two corners, from the second corner the ball is played into the box and the ball falls to their striker only for Ben to dive bravelly at his feet to gather the ball (brilliant goalkeeping). With the minutes ticking away Shemar and Finlay continue to stand strong in defence. Callum and George also put some good passes together but the shooting opportunity doesn't quite fall to them.
Full Time Score: Russellers JFC - 1, Junior Reds Spartans - 2
Managers Comment: Well what a great game, it's much more enjoyable when it's a close and even game, like this one (if not alittle tense too!!) and great to win as well. Given that this team have beaten sides we have lost against earlier in the season, it just shows what the boys are capable of achieving. Today there was some great attacking football with strong running and build up play particular down the wings, some players were confident to have shots on goal and there was brave defending and goalkeeping throughout the match. Areas to work on: Control / first touch, Corners (attacking & defending).
Thank you to Joanne for sorting out the match card for today's game.
Captain - Taran
Man of the Match - Ugo