MR U18 NL Gold 2024/2025 (Market Road League) - Bloomsbury U18s
What a great WIN in a crazy match!!
We knew that it wouldn´t be an easy game. Against a strong team, also a candidate to win the league and Cup. But a team, that personally, doesn´t play an attractive football, but are very mature reading the moments of the game. A team that in one reminds the "old Italian guards", synical and pragmatic.
If we put this analogy in practice, we would be similar to the "old mechanical Oranges" - Netherlands. With positive football, with several moments of creativity, combination play, that if we would have thousands of spectators would make them vibrate and cheer!!!
We started well the game, but against all odds, we conceded. We kept loyal to our principles, and kept on pushing the opposition in to their box. One minute to half time, we equalised the game. In stoppage time of the first half, we conceded out of nowhere, the 1-2.
At half-time, I was very frustrated with that second goal, so were the players.
I told the boys, in this level, we can't afford to concede this type of goals.
I tried to touched their egos on that, but mainly make them understand, that despite that, they are fantastic, and we are the best team on the pitch, but it would be up to them to have the courage to prove it, by playing what they can play, with quality, creativity, being brave and resilient, with a never give up mentality.
After a first half, that pretty much was dominated from us, in one way it was controlled by the opposition. They were defending well in a low block.
The second half pretty much starts with the 1-3. The boys have shown the right determination and composure to not drop their level. we scored the 2-3. Once again, when closer to the equaliser, we conceded the 2-4.
However, history would be written, with one of the best goals I ever seen at market road. Moving the ball from one flank to another, a cutback pass is done, and Rufus hit the ball not far from the half way line with power taking the ball to the 1st post top bins!!! Everyone, was Wow, including the Ref!!! I knew there, we would have a momentum to turn the game around. we then do the 4-4, turn the game into 5-4. Three minutes after, they have a corner, where the ball wasn't on the right place, but the referee allowed, and the match was back to square. 5-5.
With roughly 5 minutes to the end. Both teams became more cautious, however, we tried to win and avoid penalties, but at the same time keeping the possession to avoid last second disapointments.
Less than a minute to go, we scored the 6-5, and we grabed it tightly until the final whistle.
Apologies, for not introducing the goal scorers and assists. As I am not sure, if it was a hatrick or a poker from Bes, and I know that Anton scored the winning goal.
Nevertheless, congratulations to Amir, Emilio, Rufus, Lorenzo, Francesco, Donte, Anton, Yoni and Bes for the phenomenal game as individuals and as individuals part of a team.
The aim of doing the Double this season, is still possible. As long we get each others backs, we are going to fight for it!!
Lets go EFA!!! EFA is Massive....wherever we will go!!!
