YEL U10 Sunday Division 2
29th March, 2009
Netherfield Boys U10 Gold 2 - 4 Sherwood FC U10 Boys Blue
Today we enjoyed another win, we had another good match and there was another grateful parent wanting to shake my hand and pledge allegiance to the cause at the end. Well, two out of three isn't bad.
We took the lead early on courtesy of a stonewall penalty for handball tucked away neatly by Thomas. This was inside the first five minutes and it should have settled the nerves and seen us build a commanding lead before half time. As it was the first half was closer than we should have allowed. Netherfield equalised and it was poised at the break. George at the back seemed to take great delight in pointing out that he'd opened his account for the season, albeit in the wrong goal. I hope he realises that he has saved many more than he's allowed both in this game and during the course of the season.
Similarly in the second half we scored early, this time from a wonderful run and cross from William down the left. The Netherfield defender turned the ball into his own net under pressure, but I think we would have scored anyway from such a telling ball into the middle, and there can be no blame for that one.
Today was about trying to redress the balance for the four players who get the least game time in our squad, whilst trying to secure the win. This didn't work for everyone because their extended inclusion wasn't at the expense of our core players. It was really great though that Sim enjoyed himself, first in midfield and then in providing a safe pair of hands in goal in the second half. Ivan kept goal in the first half (including a remarkable double-save at the end to keep it even at the break) and was given a late turn up front as the game progressed. Joseph took advantage of his time on the field with a beautiful roof of the net finish from close range after a neat passing move. Harry L also had a go up front but wasn't permitted to see the game out in the interests of rotation - not unusual for Harry L who hasn't had a full game all season. Time to threaten myself I think! As he says it's one of the downsides of being the manager's son, as we are always hardest on our own offspring - sad but true.
At 3-1 up and coasting we made it harder for ourselves than we should have done by conceding with about 10 minutes left, but thankfully we sealed it with the goal of the game from Thomas. He intercepted the ball in his own half with a great piece of anticipation, beat 3 or 4 players and fired an unstoppable shot under the bar from just outside the box.
Not an easy job juggling once 12, now 11 players at 7-a-side and judging by the disappointment and anger directed at me in successive weeks, perhaps one that could be done better. Nevertheless me and Andrew will keep trying and we remain grateful for all the support we receive - some of it is better than we deserve I reckon. I hope our squad will stay together because I think there's room for everyone, but if our set up doesn't suit there should be plenty of other teams out there building for 11-a-side too
