Report

GDYFC U10s 7: GDYFC U11s 0.

Shorter grass is the only thing that would have improved my morning but alas it’s been to wet to cut.

It was a first half of domination. Possession was ours and on the occasions it wasn’t we shut them down. Good pressure defending. Goal 1 came quickly: a Theo pass to a hungry Lewis. Within minutes it was Jamie’s clever ball that provided Lewis with another opportunity – close. Seconds later it was an individual run from the Bixby. 2:0. It was the 3^rd that did me. Lewis’ through ball to Connor was great though he still had work to do. Holding off a defender that was breathing down his neck, he took it well. 3:0. They all wanted a bit of goal glory now. Charlotte and Tom retained their positions to protect the 7 strikers. Just as well, as Charlotte was called on to make her clever clearances and Tom had a 1^st half save in him. More goals were to come. Lewis made it 4 and James made it 5. 

In the hope of bringing some shape back, the counter was reset to 0 and the aim was a clean sheet. We had worked for the luxury of being able to experiment. Tom on pitch, Ed in goal, and Charlotte and James up front. The only thing I’ll say about the opening 10 is that you don’t have to apologise James. It wasn’t a Stuart Pearce moment (parental explanation probably required). The U11s were looking a little more organised but our defensive line was just that – a solid line. Now Harry was desperate for a goal. Given how he’d linked up with Theo on the left, it seemed fitting that it came from his corner. 6:0. From great team play with number 6, we went to individual goal number 7 from the mighty Bixby. He made walking through the defence look simple. I was only sorry that there was no injury time. Charlotte had found her feet upfront and after 2 fantastic runs into the box I was left feeling that there was a goal-a-brewing.

Despite the above, it wasn’t all about the goals today. The 1^st man defence was superb. The linking play and passing was superb. The work rate was superb. In victory or defeat they give it their all.

The Squad:

Captain Fleming: Your ability is matched by your insight. Clever feet. Clever head.

POTM Bixby: Your game has changed over the course of this season and now we’ve come to expect that midfield brilliance that we saw today.

Strachan: 2 to beat and they didn’t make it easy for you. Well taken. May you remember it forever.

Hart: Your 1^st foray into sport for a month. Straight back in and on form.

Mitchell: You battled for that wing in the 1^st half to deliver those balls. Peachy.

Duff: You play pretty pretty football Mr. Always a joy to watch.

Laughlin: Impressive zonal defending in the 1^st and a clean sheet in the second.

Wiltshire: On the ball you left them standing. Off the ball you made it yours to take.

Burkert: Clean sheet in the 1^st and tactically brilliant defending in the 2^nd.

Flaherty: Great action up at the corner flag today, then crazy legs to get back down.

Young: It was all beautiful football but there was one moment when you didn’t take the extra touch to get it on your right foot. Mmmmmmmmm lovely.

Carr: One of the finer Oli performances. Footwork and the release.

Thank you to Joe Burkert for running the line like a paid premiership pro, to Steven and Craig for goal wrestling and everyone for the trophy monies. I’m still waiting on the votes of 4 families. I won’t name and shame until at least Tuesday.

Tuesday’s Training:

For the shape: Zonal marking

For the width: 4 goals and switching play.

Next Sunday:

We’re at home to Hutton. It’s a derby. We’re without Charlotte, Connor and Nicco. 1 sub – the ball will have to do the work.


Have a great week.

Tasha