On a changeable Saturday mid August the GNE under 9's faced Middleton boys and girls. The starting line up was Nathan in goal, Matthew and Lucas in defence, Theo, Len, Harvey in the middle and Luke up front.
The boys started strongly and they were passing and moving the ball well. As the team settled in to the game Middleton took a run and nearly got through. After some reminding of defending jobs the team started up again. Lots of good pressure and passing. Each player marking well but one slight slip saw Middleton make a break and score!
The boys a little disheartened but cheered on well by all their supporters. A change to the team as Alex takes the pitch for the first time for GNE. The boys start up again the ball for most so far has been in the oppositions half but no luck so far. Then a great piece of passing and teamwork saw the ball passed to Luke who made a stunning run and scored! This got the crowd roaring and the players faces completely changed. More subs and James and Louie come on. Now the boys are beginning to relax and really play some good football.
As the first half gets closer to the end another GNE push sees another shot on goal which was saved but was picked up by an outfield player! Penalty! The boys all ask to take it but Len was given the task to take it. He calmly steps up, shoots and it rises but goes over the top. All the team cheer each other on and the game starts again. The half time whistle came and the boys go over for a half time drink and talk.
Second half starts with changes made and Harvey now upfront. The team work so hard in all areas. So great to see the hard work at training paying off. The game continues with end to end stuff. Lots of great defensive work by the back 2 and great passing and marking making it hard for Middleton. Eventually the ball gets passed to Louie who makes one of his trademarks runs and shoots! A second goal! This was much deserved as much of the play was in the Middleton half. More subs saw Matthew and Len off for a rest. Theo and Lucas in charge of the back. The boys continued to work hard but Middleton started to put lots of pressure on the GNE half and had a couple of good goes at goal but the team dealt with this pressure well.
Not long now to the end Matthew and Len back on and play resumes! More good teamwork and passing saw Alex get the ball and run towards the Middleton goal, they were quick to defend and he played a good pass to Luke who tried to shoot as Louie charges up the pitch, the shot was wide but Louie was getting there! As he got to the ball he missed stepped and the ball just dribbled wide! The final few minutes saw much of the same and at the whistle the boys had a completed a great performance.
MOM was given to Matthew for his stoic defending.
Two more summer league games left and my we are in for some good games!
(as an aside I apologise to everyone for not doing a match report last week as I was "in charge" and therefore not actually "watching" the match as too busy coaching the boys! However MOM was Theo for working so hard throughout the match)
Here's to the new season!