U14 Youth - Matchday 7: 1st Nov 20 Away V Marlow Town

Matchday 7: 1st Nov Away Vs Marlow Town (MT)

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

This was the perfect opportunity for the Youth to put last week’s performance behind them and get the result their efforts, over the last half dozen games, deserve.

The now usual 1-4-4-2 formation was deployed, with Ben in goal and a more familiar back four with Callan and Emie returning to join Darragh and Charlie. Rohan reverted to the centre of midfield alongside Noah. Kieran started on the left with Dan on the right. And the returning Harley partnering Max C upfront. Max LB and Sam started on the bench.

The pre-match talk was to work hard to win the ball, support each other and put in a team performance to get that first win before the expected lockdown.

After a shaky few minutes from our own kick off, Youth started to gain some decent possession in and around the MT box. MT had a big centre half and judging from the warmup a very capable keeper. And both were in the thick of the action with Youth piling on the pressure. First of many chances came from a cross from the right. MT weren’t able to deal with it and the ball found its way to Harley, who was just outside the six-yard box. The ball bounced up and with his back to goal Harley tried and audacious overhead kick which was heading into the bottom corner but the keeper managed to save it. Great start.

The 2nd effort was from Dan, who was in a central position, running at the MT defence. He connected with a lovely right foot shot which flew over the keeper only to be denied by the bar.

The next effort came from a Noah corner on the right. It was perfectly delivered to an unmarked Darragh who connected well and headed down into the ground and was goal bound. The ball bounced up and the keeper made another save.

Surely the 1st goal was not far away. Alas it was scored by MT against the run the play. The MT keeper was not only keeping them in the game, but he now turned provider with long goal kick. Emie looked to have lined it up, but in the windy conditions mistimed her header and the ball bounced through for the MT striker to score – no chance for Ben. 1-0.

Unperturbed, Youth continued to create the chances to try and get back into the game with the next one coming from a neat one two between Rohan and Dan and this time Dan’s shot was saved. Both players combined with Rohan this time having his shot saved.

The deserved equaliser came just before the break. Darragh’s clearance come pass out of defence was controlled by Dan and in one move turned and ran at the MT goal. Dan expertly took the ball around the keeper and finish with his left foot into the open goal. Great goal more for the culmination of all the efforts before. 1-1 (Goal Dan, assist Darragh)

HT: 1-1

Second half continued in the same vein. Harley was getting into good positions and with MT playing a high line was played through and with the defender bearing down, saw his shot saved by the keeper. The next couple of chances came from great play from Dan on the left and Harley with his chance denied again by the defender and keeper. However the same players combined to set up Youth’s second. Dan using his skill and direct running crossed with is weaker left foot towards Harley at the corner of the box. His initial attempt to get past the defender was blocked but he persevered and scored a scruffy goal (just what I asked for at half-time ). 1-2 (Goal Harley, assist Dan)

Instead of more chances the goals began to flow.

Next came from Dan this time Max LB was the provider with a cross from the right. Dan’s initial shot was blocked but he followed up and scored with a shot at close range. 1-3 (Goal Dan, assist Max LB)

With MT pushing up, there was plenty of space for the forwards to run into. This time Max Cotter got in on the action with a perfect through ball for Harley run onto. His fist effort was saved and he followed up to score his second. 1-4 (Goal Harley, assist Max C)

FT: 1-4

What a great Team performance full of chances, quality possession, determined defending and some great team play.

Ben had a solid game and could do nothing with the goal. His goal kicking was good and adjusted well to find Youth players. Darragh and Emie were superb and dealt with MT attacks with some committed and skillful defending. Callan and Charlie were organised and solid when called upon. After a slow start Dan really got into the game with some skillful direct running and put in some great left foot crosses. Scored a couple of goals and an assist. Kieran started on the left and created a half chance in the 1st half which just went past the far post. But played better when switched to left back. Noah put in a couple of great corners and when in possession had some neat interplay with Rohan and Dan. Rohan was dynamic with some skillful possession and direct runs, with the added bonus of some well-timed tackles. Got into some great positions in an around the box and should take on more efforts at goal. Sam was solid and went on some good runs down the right. Max LB got an assist and put in a lot of effort in the unfamiliar centre mid position to break up play. Harley was on fire starting with his overhead effort and capping a great performance with a brace of goals. Max C put in some good effort to hustle and harry the MT defence. Played a defence splitting pass to setup Harley.

Goals Dan x 2, Harley x 2. Assists Darragh, Dan, Max LB and Max C.

Overall Biggest pluses was the performance of the whole matchday squad. Great performance, energy, commitment and team work to not only come back from a goal down but to keep on going and creating chance after chance.

Definitely all credit goes to the kids for the massive effort and some great football. I’m sure they enjoyed the game, feeling proud and looking forward to the next match, whenever that will be.

Moment of the match was Harley’s audacious overhead kick.

Player of the Match: Simple, the whole squad deserve to share this. Very proud of them all for the overall team effort, performance and a fantastic result.