Maidenhead u14 Boys win last match of season
Close competitive win against Phoenix rounds off season
The u14 boys produced a season ending display to win 3-2 against a competitive Phoenix team.
The final match was played in a really positive spirit on both sides and thanks to the Phoenix coaches for stepping up with the umpires.
Starting strong the midfield of Vyaan, Marc, Nathan, Ollie and Kyle created width, especially down the right hand side, causing repeated trouble for the Phoenix defence. Vyaan as usual caused trouble dribbling through the middle of the pitch which led to the first goal with a through ball behind the Phoenix defence to Ollie who slotted home past the Phoenix keeper.
Second quarter Phoenix came back strongly bringing the Maidenhead defence of Zac, Flynn (and Cleve subbing in well) plus Declan and James into the game.
Great interception tackling from Declan and James snuffed out attacks from the wings and when the centre defence was broken great keeping and strong kicking from Fred in goal not only closed down Phoenix but also opened up opportunities on the break. One of these worked through Luke, subbing into midfield, slotting a pass through to Vyaan to coolly shoot past the keeper for 2-0 at half time.
3rd quarter Maidenhead relaxed a bit too much, with a number of changes made to the team structure (blame the coach).
Phoenix took particular advantage of centre changes to put pressure on the Maidenhead defence leading to repeated short corners.
Despite great shot saving from Fred the defence could not clear and Phoenix poached a goal to go 2-1.
Final quarter and the game opened up with end to end play, and short corners both ends.
Maidenhead secured the next goal with a quick routine leading to a brilliantly clean hit from youngest player on the pitch Harry to smash his shot past the keeper.
Quick response from Phoenix also led to a short corner goal making 3-2 and the last 5 mins a test of Maidenhead character.
Despite repeated short corners the defence held and Maidenhead held out for the season ending win.
Great way to close out the league season.