U14 Youth - Matchday 5: 18th Oct 20 Home V Totteridge

Matchday 5: 18th Oct 20 Home Vs Totteridge (T)

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

With Alex out to rest a long-term injury, Youth welcomed the return of Emie and Charlie, which helped softened the blow. With the added bonus of 14 players available to pick from, I decided to continue with the traditional starting 1-4-4-2 formation with Ben in goal, back four of Callan, Darragh, Emie and Kieran retaining his place at left back. Kailen started on the left of midfield and Dan on the right with the central midfield pairing of Noah and Rohan. Harley, having slept with is shin pads on (), was back in the starting line up along with Max Cotter. Sam, Max LB and Charlie started on the bench.

Keen to build on last week’s performance, particularly in the 1st half, the match against Totteridge looked like an opportunity to get our 1st point(s). Rohan made a captains speech to remind the players how well they were playing and to keep putting in the effort and performances, a win was not far away.

The opening exchanges were scrappy and neither side was settling. However the 1st goal came from T and like last week, Emie and the boys didn’t drop their heads and Youth slowly got back into the game. The next goal came from Youth. Darragh played a long ball from the back down the right to Harley. Harley used his pace and close control to get away from the T defender and shot into the far corner. Great finish 1-1 (Goal Harley, assist Darragh)

Youth started to get some control of the game and the next opportunity came from Youth. Dan had some good possession on the right and played the ball into Harley. With confidence growing, Harley hit a low shot on target. With the T keeper seemingly behind it, the ball skidded off the wet pitch and the little gap between the keepers hand and legs, the ball squirmed over the line. 2-1 (Goal Harley, assist Dan)

I decided to make a tactical switch and bring Max LB on for Harley to add numbers as T were loading the midfield. This made Youth a little more competitive and gain better possession.

Youth started to play some lovely football and created more chances. Sam came on and started a move down the right but with Harley off, Max C was down the right and his surging run resulted in a great cross. The cross was perfect for the onrushing Dan, now playing on the left. On the stretch, Dan was unable to control the shot and his shot just went past the post. Great move!

Rohan wanted to get in on the action and he played a simple one-two with Dan, which brought him into shooting range. His shot was destined for the top corner and the T keeper manage to get his had to it.

HT: 2-1

Again there were parallels with last week. The momentum was with Youth going into half time and this gave T an opportunity to regroup. And like last week we conceded an equaliser from a poor kick off and subsequent play. 2-2

Still Youth continued to create chances. Kailen started a move with a pass onto Max C who in turn then got a pass to Sam. Sam set up a chance for Max LB to shoot but the T keeper saved it.

However unlike last week, we took the opportunity to go ahead from a corner. With Noah off, Sam took the corner and Darragh smashed in the ball from close range after a scramble in the six-yard box. 3-2 (Goal Darragh, assist Sam)

Instead of seeing out the win, the game got stretched and a combination of fitness, player positions and lack of challenges, allowed T to get another equaliser, albeit from what looked like an unfair tackle on the edge of the T box and a breakaway goal. What a sucker punch!

FT: 3-3

1st point and an end to a four-game losing run. For large parts of the match, Youth were superb. If only we could maintain the effort and commitment for the full 70 mins, I am sure the first win won’t be far away. We played some great football and created numerous chances and were very close to getting all 3 points.

Ben again had a solid game and did well on the through balls. Saved well and on one occasion caught the ball from a corner. Darragh was superb again with his goal kicks and committed defending. And now adding an assist and goal to cap an excellent performance. Returning Emie was back into her stride snuffing out attacks with pace and well-timed tackles. Callan was good and solid in defence. Charlie, another player returning from injury, did well and defended solidly. Kieran started slowly and didn’t get into the game to build on last week’s performance. Rohan was good in possession with some notable close control and through balls. Better in the tackle and was unlucky not to score with a shot on target. Noah when in possession played some nice passes and was unlucky with a long-range effort just wide of the target. Needs to be more physical and committed in the tackle. Dan was great in possession and created a number of half chances with his skillful, direct and pacey running. Unlucky not to get a goal. Kailen was strong in possession and needs to be a little to be a more direct and back himself with more shots at goal. Sam did well when he came on and provided an alternative to taking corners and freekicks. Max C provided options and created some good chances. Needs to work, along with Harley, to build a partnership and provide the team the 1st line of defence. Max LB did well in various positions, notably in midfield and made the difference when Youth were overrun. Harley had a great game and got onto a number of chances. Took his goals well and gave T defence a difficult time with his direct runs.

Great to see Max H back albeit as a supporter.

Moment of the match was the flowing passing move, one two in the midfield and shot destined for the corner well saved.

Goals: Harley (2) and Darragh. Assist Sam and Darragh.

Player of the Match: Lots of notable performances. Squad played well and deserved at least a point but would be disappointed not to get all 3. Max LB in an uncustomary centre mid position, did well and helped changed the game when Youth were overrun.

I cannot split it and my joint PotM is Darragh for not only his defensive performance but also the bonus of an assist and goal. And Harley for being a constant threat and two well taken goals.