First league game for the U18s today away to Golcar Utd & debuts for 4 new lads.
We didn't start too well & looked off the pace. This showed when the Golcar #14 dropping between the lines had time to turn & slide a ball through our defence. Their striker outpaced our back 4 & slotted past Harry Graham in goal.

The goal was a wake up call for our lads & we started to get a grip on the game. A simple through ball set Waqas Iqbal off on a race with the Golcar centre back, Waqas just nicked the ball away before being brought down for a penalty. Ryan Clay stepped up & slotted home the equaliser.
This should have calmed things down but we were still a bit frantic. We were then awarded another penalty when Ollie Priestey was clattered in the box. Ryan stepped up again & rolled it down the middle for a 2-1 half time lead.

Half time team talk was about showing a bit of composure on the ball & keeping things simple.

We started to play a bit more football & it wasn't long before we increased the lead.
A free kick from the left was swung in by Waqas. The ball was cleared to the edge of the box where Kai Milburn had a great first touch before hitting a great shot that the keeper couldn't keep out.
We were well on top & our opponents were struggling to push us back. A half clearance was headed back over the defence by Ollie & Waqas Iqbal latched onto the ball, knocked it past the advancing keeper to pass the ball into an empty net & cap off a Man of the Match performance.
The best goal of the game then, starting from Lewis Evans at right back winning the ball & passing it in to Ollie in midfield, a couple of quick passes put Rahuf Mak clear. He showed great composure & slotted the ball past the keeper into the corner for a debut goal.

5-1 at full time. A good start & some good football in patches but work to be done.
Well done lads

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