U14 Youth - Matchday 4: 11th Oct 20 Away V Burnham Blue

Matchday 4: 11th Oct 20 Away Vs Burnham Blue (BB)

Squad: Ben, Darragh, Alex, Callan, Kailen, Noah C, Dan, Rohan, Max LB, Kieran, Max C, Harley & Sam.

With Emie joining the list of injured players, I needed to shuffle the pack which now included Sam Jankowski making his Youth debut. After reflecting on the previous match, I decided to go with the traditional 1-4-4-2 formation with Ben in goal, back four of Callan, Darragh, Alex and this time trying Kieran at left back having played well in that position during training. Along with the central midfield pairing of Noah and Rohan, Dan was in the left midfield position and Max LB on the right. Last minute change with Kailen upfront partnering Max Cotter as Harley joined late due to forgetting his shin pads(!). Sam started on the bench along with Harley.

Tough game on paper became tougher after going behind within the first couple of minutes. Instead of dropping their heads, the boys settled down and various individual battles started to take shape. Youth were giving it a good go and were slowly getting back into the game.

The BB striker was a real handful, both skillful and physical, Alex and Darragh were in for a busy afternoon. However the various individual battles were going Youth’s way and the first real attempt from Youth resulted in a goal.

Max LB chased down a ball on the right and managed to flick it over the left-back and then passed into the box to Kailen who, in a tight spot, managed to pass the ball onto to Max C. Max then took a touch and shot over the keeper. Great goal, game on! 1-1 (Goal Max C, assist Kailen)

Alex came off after taking a knock to the leg and debutant Sam came on in the right midfield spot and again needed to shuffle the team with Max LB moving to right back and Callan now partnering Darragh.

Max C was in the wars a little and came off with an injured hand and Harley replaced him upfront.

Youth were battling and at the same time playing some nice football. The momentum was with Youth and a second opportunity came from a lovely move from back to front started from the defence with a pass into Sam who took a touch and passed inside to Noah. Noah controlled and passed the ball inside the BB right-back for Dan to run onto. Without hesitation, and with the BB defence high, Dan played a 1st time cross/pass to and unmarked Harley. Harley, with time and space Infront of him, decided to take on the shot early and it just went passed the post.

Dan was having a real ‘ding dong’ with the right back and was getting the better of him using his strength and skill to create more half chances. Kailen seemed to be relishing being the target man and held up the ball well and at the same time was frustrating the BB defence. More chances came with a couple for Harley in quick succession, with one effort skimming the post.

The constant pressure and chances resulted in a second goal. With the BB defence on the back foot, a poor clearance landed at Noah’s feet just outside the box, who took a touch and shot/lobbed over the BB keeper who was just off his line. 1-2 (Goal Noah)

Great half for the Youth!

HT: 1-2

Momentum was with Youth going into half time, but with losing Dan towards the end of the half and missed opportunities, BB started the half stronger and the momentum shifted. With players picking up injuries as well as fatigue, the game got stretched and 3 unanswered goals from BB turned the match on its head, and undeservedly Youth lost 4-2.

FT: 4-2

Focusing on the 1st half performance and, but for the 1st minute, Youth were superb. Each player won their battles and collectively played some great football and created numerous chances against a good team. We could have easily been 1-4 going into half time. Ben could do nothing with the goals and was unlucky with a save and rebound resulting in a goal. Darragh was superb with his goal kicks and committed defending. Alex either side of taking a knock was good alongside Darragh. Callan was good in either right back or central defence. Kieran was very good at left back and defended well and supported Dan where he could. Rohan and Noah started well and had their moments against a physical and skillful BB midfield. Dan was excellent before he went off with an injury. Gave as good as he got and then some! Sam’s debut was solid with some nice link up play and short passing. Max LB ran himself into the ground in both right back and right midfield positions. Great play down the right to setup the goal for Max C. Max C took his goal well and had a tough time with a physical defence. Kailen had a great game in an unfamiliar striking position. Was a great target and used his strength and close skill to hold the ball and frustrate the BB defence. Got a good assist but unsurprisingly faded after putting a strong physical performance and general fitness. Harley came on and could have had the fastest hat-trick. Got into some great positions and unlucky not to have scored a few.

Moment of the match was the passing move and play back to front, just missed the icing on the cake with a ball going the wrong side of the post.

Goals; Max C and Noah. Assist Kailen.

Player of the Match: The whole squad was superb in the 1st half with many notable performances and many good chances. Dan was great before he went off injured. Kieran was very good at left back. Kailen, in an unfamiliar position, played really well as the second striker. But if I had to pick anyone in particular, my PotM goes to Darragh for a very good all-round consistent performance albeit in a losing cause!