Hasland CFC U18s - Matlock Trojan
Under 15s
This morning the under 15s had a tricky looking game on paper at home to Matlock Town Trojans. The last two meetings between the two sides were very close with Hasland just coming out on top in both.
The game plan was to be patient in possession (which isn't easy with long grass) and press hard and high when out of possession. The first 10 minutes you would have thought the Hasland players had missed that brief as we were so slow to wake up. We were second to every ball, two yards off the pace and allowed Matlock to take the initiative. Only a good save from Keeper Ben and the frame of the goal kept the scores levels after 10 minutes.
Then on 11 minutes Hasland got a break when Evan knocked a great diagonal ball to left winger and birthday boy Jenson who hit a shot (I would say a cross, but he's adamant it was a shot) which beat the keeper into the top right corner (a class finish if it was a shot🤣)⚽️ 1-0
With Hasland having now blown the cobwebs off, we started to build into the game and looked more threatening going forward. On 24 minutes James was sent on from the bench and within 30 seconds had scored Haslands second after a great run down the right from Jacob who crossed for an easy finish for James. 2-0⚽️
No more key events until half time but Hasland were in clear control by this point.
Half time 2-0
The second half put simply was "fantastic" and a real pleasure to watch a Hasland team completely control the game from start to finish. We were composed, passing the ball well, getting it out wide and delivering some super crosses.
Haslands 3rd came on 55 minutes thanks to top scorer Jack assisted by Aidan. ⚽️3-0
The 4th was a great run down the centre from Alfie who beat a couple of defenders and finished nicely. ⚽️4-0. The final goal came from a corner with just 5 minutes to play from Captain Evan after another good cross from the corner by Alfie. ⚽️5-0
Final Score 5-0
The most impressive part of today's game was how the lads built their way in to the game eventually taking total control. We talked alot about keeping it tight at the back and protecting keeper Ben. This is now 4 clean sheets in a row and a total of 363 minutes of football since we last conceded a goal. In grassroots football that is a great achievement and is testament to the defensive shape and organisation the lads show.
Today's man of the match went to Lucas at left back who was solid as rock in defence whilst also supporting in attack with overlaps and crosses. Well done Lucas.
Another great week under 15s, it a real pleasure to watch you develop every week.👏👏👏
