Sunday Round Up
On a rain effected day
Panthers U8 vs. Bursledon Youth U9 Stars
The rain held off for our mid-afternoon match against Bursledon Youth U9 Stars. Solid start to the game with some great passing, attacking and defending by all, it really was end-to-end stuff. So much so we held a level score right through to the start of the third quarter. Hayden finally got us on the score sheet with a goal at the start of the third quarter. This was then followed by another goal from Fred. Bursledon were not giving up that easily as they fought back hard. Thanks to some awesome saves from Oscar in goal, we managed to stay two goals up. Into the fourth quarter more goals kept coming with a goal from Cooper (assisted by Jack) and another from Hayden. As we were leading, Bursledon bought on an extra player. This helped them as they gained a goal back. Nevertheless, before the final whistle Jack managed to grab the final goal of the game with a great assist from his team mate Fred. This has to be one of the best games spectators have witnessed this season so far. There were some mighty battles on both sides however the boys kept going right to the final whistle. Logan was strong in defence with him also having a crack on goal when the opportunity came. Vinnie was also a menace in defence, stopping everything that came his way and making some great clearances. Billy was strong with some great passes down the wing along with his defensive play and Manny was good up front waiting to follow up with the perfect through ball. Player of the day went to Cooper for being strong and for his unselfish play especially in the second quarter.
U9 Panthers
Unlucky today boys. Thought our workrate and movement was excellent today and if it wasn’t for their giant of a keeper, we would have scored at least 3 goals. They passed the ball round well and that was what lead to the two goals and our players not tracking back or ball watching so must concentrate better. However, on reflection, we deserved something out of that game.
Man of the match was Jenson, apart from his magical moment, he was a menace going forward and nearly replicated Maradona’s wonder goal against England, taking on the whole of the team.
Well done Jenson. Well done all of you today. Keep the workrate up.
U9 Spitfires
U9 Spitfires played their final game before moving up to the top league against Littleton Cyclones. A very slow start by the boys found themselves behind but immediately got back level through Elliott Finch from the spot. Littleton were the better team until half time and deservedly went in ahead.
The boys then upped their level and started to control the game and Brody Hibberd & Mazen Ismael found their shooting boots.
Good end to the game as we now prepare for going up against the best at this level.
Well done Spitfires.
U11 Spitfires
Another positive game for the U11 Spitfires today with a dominant performance. Freds got the scoring started in the first few minutes with a great header from a corner. More goals then came in the third and fourth quarters from Ethan, Charlie, Forbes, Zach and Alfie B. The boys limited pace to very few opportunities, with the opposition finally scoring from a free kick in the last minute. James picked up man of the match after yet another solid performance at the back.
U11 Wolves
Our Wolves put on a brave performance today. Playing against a well organised team who had started the season two groups above us in Blue 2, Wolves began very brightly and were easily on top throughout the first quarter with Jude and Fuku in control of midfield, often cleverly bringing Adam and Muhammed into play on the wings with Harry once again providing excellent back up to Muhammed down the right, and half chances were soon created for first Frankie and then Dash.
A forced change in the second quarter then upset the shape of the team from which they never recovered while for the second week running a single fast direct forward was able to outrun our full backs with punishing effect.
There was however a moment of glory for Harry as he successfully grabbed a brief opportunity to move into wide midfield during the second half.
Evan returned to his favoured left midfield today and took up some excellent attacking positions while Rayane showed alot of grit when returning to defensive midfield to plug a central hole.
Wolf of the Week is Alfie who has been at his very best at Centre Back ever since our move up to Yellow 1, strong, fast and determined, he is now leading our back line with intelligence and purpose.
Our Ladies Development squad got back to winning ways with a 2-1 win over Andover New Street .
Well done guys !