U14 Colts - Pannal Ash JFC U13 Pumas
This was an extremely satisfying performance in what looked like a tricky cup draw. This is an U13s Pannal Ash team who lost one league game all last season, missing out on the Harrogate league title by one point while scoring 87 goals in 14 matches. They’ve also started this league campaign in much the same manner. However, having had a season of 11-a-side football under our belts, and we needed to make that experience and organisation count in our favour. And so it proved.
We suspected a team in Pannal’s form would come out and press hard in the opening minutes, so it was imperative that we started well and kept the compact defensive structure we’ve been working on. We knew there were out balls on the wings with Rhys and Lucas ready to run in behind, and we were keen to turn their defence around and allow the game to open up. With very little input from the touchline, the shape was absolutely brilliant from the off. We were also calm in possession and kept our composure under that opening press. It soon dropped off because it simply wasn’t working. Indeed, our first goal came from an excellent piece of counter-pressing. A loose ball down our right had two Pannal defenders facing their goal which Rhys and Tom recognised as a trigger to go and press hard. Tom nicked the ball and made the pressure count. The second goal came from the penalty spot, after Tom was played through on goal. I’ve heard from others closer to the incident that the penalty call was somewhat contentious, but we forced their last man into a desperate challenge, and the ref was given a decision to make. Lucas made no mistake from the spot.
At half-time we encouraged the boys to be more expansive in their play. The game was becoming open, and we wanted to use that space creatively. This was all the encouragement they needed to hit high gear. The third goal was the move of the match, with George threading a disguised ball between their centre back and left back for Rhys to run onto. The first time cross was met with impeccable timing from Freddie to turn in at the back post with his first touch of the game, having come on at half-time. We made it look very easy, but that quick interplay is very difficult to defend. The chances began to flow, with some excellent link up play between Tom and Lucas in particular. Tom laid one on for Lucas, before Lucas returned the favour shortly afterwards. Our back line was also enjoying good possession, with the confidence to play it around the back, change the angles and break the lines, with the fullbacks supporting the attacks to create overloads. The final goal had an element of luck about it - Oscar’s cross (shot?) looped over their keeper and nestled in the far corner. We’d created plenty, and probably earned that luck.
We were particularly pleased with how we managed to limit Pannal’s attack. We gave them very few chances. The backline and midfield screen were superb throughout, and in the couple of times the ball made its way through, JJ was very quick to sweep up. While the result may have been similar to the previous week, the performance was much more cohesive.
The player of the match vote went to Evan. He really grew into the game, and the drive he showed in the second half was a real highlight. The quick interplay between him and Rhys caused all sorts of problems down the right wing.
