Weekley Rovers Wildcats 0 v Thrapstopn Town
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This week our opponents were perhaps one of
the most improved sides in the League this year, the Weekley
Wildcats. With two key players out with illness (and 3 who
turned out also suffering) and another out injured, we yet
again had to juggle positions.
A lot was discussed about
changing our tactics and playing fast from the kick-off,
and Lucaas, back at right-back and Captain this week, ensured
we did. He took the ball after the first move and ran at
a startled defence on the right, delivering a fierce shot
which their goalkeeper could just about parry. Still stunned,
Weekley rushed to defend but Thomas fooled them completely
and took the ball on his left to deliver the sweetest of
goals, leaving the goalkeeper no chance at all. If Weekley
were surprised, so were we, and we nearly got caught right
away, but for the timely challenge of Lewis in his roaming
defensive midfield role. Within minutes we were back on the
attack and powerdriven shots from Craig and Lewis were both
unlucky not to find their mark. Some excellent passing moves
between Jack, Craig, Lewis and Thomas nearly paid off and
we seemed to have a series of corners that should have been
converted but for some excellent off-the line clearances
by a brave Weekley defence. By the end of the half we were
seriously tiring and Weekley, sensing this, threw everything
at us, only to find Harry and Ethan in fantastic form at
the back. Jack then threw us back in the game by linking
up with Thomas but the game was halted after a couple of
bruising clashes taking Lewis and Lucaas down, followed by
Jack a few moments later. This upset our momentum and we
started to struggle to run as the half-time whistle went.
Weekley started the second half as they finished
the first, throwing nearly all their players forward on
the left, determined to finish their move. However, Lewis
was on nearly every ball, and Thomas was there to clean
up any that got through, leaving Harry to deal with any
stragglers that got away. All working excellently at that
point until Jack, looking to play the ball over to Lucaas
on one of his runs, got an elbow that took him out of the
game. George came on and the whole side had to adjust to
a different style. Weekley, naturally, worked hard to take
advantage. We got caught out a few times and this meant
that Ethan and Harry had a lot more work to do. As more
studs seemed to be shown by Weekley players, now themselves
tired, the game was stopped for quite a few knocks and
the rhythm became very erratic. Kicking uphill also took
it's toll and we suddenly looked vunerable to attack. Thomas
then took up a holding role with Lewis, with Craig and
Lucaas joining them. This formidable set up, coupled with
some nice clearances by George, ensured we locked the gates
once more. As tackles on both sides then became very tired
and sometimes late, Josh came on for George and we tried
to run a defensive game for the last few minutes. Then,
surprisingly soon, and refreshingly, the final whistle
went and we had our first win of the season under our belt!Most
players were in shock and it took a while to sink in...this
is only the first! MOM Lucaas-I personally think that the
whole team deserved it today as every single one was a winner
and played just how we knew they could. (Thomas' goal was
succinct to the point of perfection and Lewis' emerging talent
has impressed me. In fact, I could go on all day about every
one of them...) However, James pointed out that Lucaas played
everywhere and gave the team the impetus to attack, something
we have tried to find in recent weeks and need to continue
to win.
My personal thanks for all the usual help and
encouragement from all the parents and friends! This
is your team-share the pride!
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