YELLOWS 5 v Garforth 4
Great conditions up at Manley park this morning for the start of the double header of fixtures for the U13’s
The yellows were the first to KO at 1000
And we did the usual game prep, warm up, stretch, and a good chat, we were missing our ever faithful Maisie at the back today so Sam stepped up for the good of the team and played in the back four, Sam was nominated as captain for the game today for his attitude and willingness to help out
We had a official ref for both games today and prior to the start the ref called the teams in and told him his expectations and his zero tolerance approach to bad attitudes and dissent.
The game got underway and straight away within 2 mins Jack opened the scoring up with a great strike to put us in front, it wasn’t long and jack again wriggled through the defence to put us 2-0, at this point I thought it was going to be a easy day but it was soon apparent it was anything but.
Garforth made a few subs at this stage bringing on the number 7 up front who was soon proving himself as the dangerous player and he changed the game immensely, getting a goal with pretty much his first touch, Sam certainly had his work cut out keeping tabs of him for the duration of the game, but handled him fantastic.
Jack was on fire this morning playing ip front with Jude, both strong kids, who dictated the game and kept possession of the ball fantastic, jack got his hat trick just before half time with another well worked team goal 3-1 yellows.
The second half owls were under the cosh a bit now, Garforth got a bit of momentum and they got 2 goals in a short space of time bringing it to 3-3
The lads not happy with a point and we’re pushing forward looking for the 3 points, our midfield remained untouched for the duration and they all pit a huge shift in
Ozza, Oscar, Harrison, and Jaiden we’re relentless with pressing and winning duals and playing balls up through the back line for Jude and jack, we had been unlucky with a few shots hitting crossbar and the post by ozza and Jaiden but the hat trick hero wasn’t done with just 3 goals he was searching for another which came half way through the second half with a sweet strike 4-3 owls
A bit of game management was needed now but a bit of back chat cost us going down to 10 men as Jude found himself getting 10 mins on the sideline. No arguments from me the ref was clear from the start of expectations.
Garforth now made the most of the extra man and we had to shuffle around now to be more defensive going to a back 5 with James, Oli, Sam, Jacob, and cam,, these kids all stepped up today and put bodies on the line but again there number 7 proved a bit tricky and still managed to beat the line to put Garforth on level terms 4-4 with 7 mins left 😬
We were not happy settling for a draw we knew we had it in us to push on for the win, Jude was now back on so we changed again to go more attacking searching for the winner, every player we’re giving it there all now, and really digging deep hunting in packs, and showing grit and determination to keep the ball, we were on the front now and some surging runs forward saw some rash desperate tackles from Garforth which earned us a free kick edge of box… could this be the last opportunity of the match 😬
The players knew who they wanted to step up and up stepped Sam, composed as ever and perfect range for him and he hit it so sweet as soon as it left his foot it was destined for the back of the net
5-4 yellows 👏🏻
The last few minutes was game control which was executed fantastically by the team, time wasting at its finest.
Fulltime 5-4 yellows
Big shout out to Ryan who was awesome in goal today and did some awesome saves, and fearless off his line to clear balls, well done buddy.
It was a nervy last 15 minutes myself and Keith were nervous wrecks, blood pressure through roof. 😂 but a well deserved victory today, again it wasn’t the best we had players missing but players stood up and played out of positions for the good of the team. Collectively all in all an awesome display
3 leagues 3 league wins sitting joint top of the league… awesome lads ⚽️❤️
Big thanks to the parents helping setting up, and huge thanks to Sara for the raffle and baking buns and raising funds for the team and thanks to all the parents who continuously support what we do.. ❤️👍
GOALS
Jack ⚽️⚽️⚽️⚽️
Sam ⚽️
MOM
Keith -
Sam, great captains performance today, stepped up, played out of position all game, great team spirit, didn’t moan, controlled the opposition 7 who was the threat, and showed bags of desire and team spirit.
Gilly -
Jack, awesome today, strong, composed, ruthless, and clinical, held the ball up well, used his size and strength to perfection ⚽️⚽️⚽️⚽️
