AVDFC U14's Dynamos 1-2 AFC Lightning
Team: Edward, Jay; Luca, George, Dorian, Callum, Taylor; Harley, Jake, Conor, Kai, Charlie, Aiden, Owen; Alfie, Billy
So..in 73 days, it will be Christmas !
The end.
Ok, ok...so it was a wet and miserable day but the pitch was still looking in good condition. AFC Lightning were quick out of the blocks and created an early chance which Edward was equal too.
4 minutes and Dynamos didn't clear their lines and Lightning struck....1-0 AFC Lightning.
Lightning were not in any mood to let Dynamos get into this game and another attack was quick in the making. This time a ball through was superbly cut out by Dorian, who was playing alongside Luca. Between the two of them, they were on hand to clear their lines well. They were also supported by Taylor and George who were also having good games at the back.
Alfie wasn't getting much service up front, but had an opportunity when Kai played him in, but his shot went wide of the mark.
Owen and Charlie combined in the middle to set Aiden away and his shot was blocked for a corner. Owen swung the corner in and it bobbled around the box and it fell to George who hit his shot goal-bound but was well saved.
Lightning were playing nice one-touch football and Dynamos were struggling to get the ball in the midfield and play it to feet.
22 minutes and Mike shuffled the pack to brought on Billy, Conor and Harley, and this paid almost immediate dividends. Conor won a header from a Lightning clearance and the ball fell to Harley, he ran forward and played the ball to Billy. He side stepped a challenge and hit a low shot past the keeper and into the net. Good goal...1-1.
25 minutes in and Callum made a fantastic run past 3 opposition players and was in the box, with the keeper to beat, but he hit his shot straight at the keeper and he made the save.
Within a few minutes Owen played a delightful ball over the top for Kai and he ran into the box and hit his shot wide of the far post. At the other end, Lightning went through on goal but Super Luca was on hand to storm back and make the challenge. Moments later it was Dorian who stopped an attack, getting a vital toe-in before the striker hit his shot.
Half time - 1-1.
The second half was much the same with Lightning starting strong and their small nippy winger causing problems. However, Taylor was having a great battle with him and was holding his own.
42 minutes and Lightning broke the offside trap and the resulting cross found their striker unmarked in the middle and he scored easily. 2-1 Lightning.
Dynamos had a chance to equalise soon after with Kai again being set free by Callum, but this time his shot was saved by the keeper. Lightning were still looking to pass the ball around and were creating chances but George, Taylor and Dorian were supporting Luca when called upon and if they did get a chance to shoot, Edward was flinging himself at the feed of their players to save the ball.
Billy was getting some joy up top, but unable to create enough space for a shot. Aiden and Owen also both had a half chance, but either their shots were blocked or well saved.
55 minutes and Dynamos were on the attack. George tiptoed around his marker and set Harley through, he managed to find space and hit a great shot which was well saved, but no one was following up and the keeper gathered the ball.
Dynamos created few other chances in the remainder of the match. Billy went close and Callum and Kai both had opportunities to shoot but ultimately AFC Lightning were a good team and saw the game out. In fact, one late attack saw Edward pull off an incredible save and push the ball over the bar.
AFC Lightning were a good test and we were not quite on it, especially the first half. Having said that, Billy caused some problems when he came on and scored a fine goal. Edward's shot stopping and clearances were great when called upon. Taylor had another great game in the defence and was having a great battle with the left winger. Luca was solid as usual and George is having a great season so far and looked comfortable at the back.
Final say from me is for Dorian...no fuss, no complaints and had a fantastic game alongside Luca. Great the with ball at his feet, got his tackles in when needed and looked good all match...well done all.