U12 Whites vs Scarborough Athletic
UFCA U12s Whites 2 – Scarborough Athletic 3
An entertaining game that was end to end with chances at both ends, with both keepers made to work throughout. What Scarborough maybe lacked in ability they surely made up for in size – there was some big players in the team!
In the first quarter we started a bit slow and if we’re honest, we gifted them with two goals, both from giving the ball away from a misplaced pass and a hopeful clearance.
So the message at the first break carried on from what we focused on in training Friday – think, run and play forward, make good decisions, and enjoy working hard to win the ball back.
The second quarter saw us fashion a few chances on the counter attack, but we just couldn’t find that ruthless streak needed in front of goal.
At half time the message was the same, but also topped up with a reminder about marking players at corners and to believe in ourselves, – I thought we were the better team.
In the third quarter AJ had to come off 5 minutes in with an ankle injury, which meant Oscar coming on and playing right defence (a new experience for him which he handled very well) and Zaeem moving into centre defence.
We finally broke through after a clever dribble down the right from George Gallagher winning his 1v1, who then cut it back for George Gilchrist to shoot. His effort was saved but rebounded into the path of Cody at the back post to see it over the line. Our spirits were lifted but only momentarily because the Scarborough left midfielder went on a run with the ball into our box and finished strongly into the bottom corner. But we kept going!
It was 3-1 going into the last quarter and the message was still the same – believe, keep playing the football and work hard to win it back. This was our strongest quarter – we played some great football, and had we taken all our chances, who knows, we may have won the game. Our second goal was a fantastic strike from AJ from distance.
Overall, a valiant effort from the boys. Lots of positives to take away from this game. We keep going!
Next game is Saturday 19th, away against Calcio Football Centre. Kick off and location to be confirmed very soon. Please indicate your availability no later than training Tuesday.
Thank you
