Cotgrave
Colts Blue 1 Clifton 3 |
15th
March 2008 |
Once
again the young Blues had yet another grey day. Not just in respect
of the weather but prior to the game Parents and boys were informed
that Steve was resigning as manager, due to new committments. So
as the Parents were in discussion as to who can take over Steve got
on with the task in hand and conducted his usual team talk and discuss
tactics. Immediately it appeared to pay dividends as Harvey found
himself in an unusual position and rather than in defence found himself
collecting a long ball which allowed him to run on one on one with
the Clifton keeper and score a great goal.. Harveys first this season & the
young Colts first goal since Dec 15th 2007. The early goal appeared
to lift some gloom and it looked like the boys would leave Steve
finishing on a high as they once again pushed forward and it was
Harvey who again found himself in the box despatching a shot which
unfortunately the Clifton keeper saved.
Clifton
shocked at that early goal, now began to gain thier composure and
started to press forward. Young Alex Milton covering alot of ground
in an attempt to contain the Clifton boys. Clifton playing some nice
passing football began to take shots on the Colts goal, but Harry Hayward
does well, collects the ball and despatches a big kick which falls
to Craig, who is able to connect well with Sam to allow him to run
on goal only to be stopped by the Clifton defence. The Colts now
playing some decent football as Clifton get back in numbers and defend
well. But the Clifton Manager organises his boys well and soon the
Clifton boys push forward and a good kick finds two Clifton boys
free in the Colts box making it difficult for Harry Hayward, and
after making a fine first save at the Clifton shot there was little
he could do as the loose ball falls to the Clifton boys for them
to shoot again and equalise. Clifton now full of confidence push
forward in numbers which pays off well as they win a corner that
unfortunately the Colts are unable to contain as they conceed a 2nd
goal in as many minutes.
Clifton
are now on the up and its the Colts who have to get back in numbers
all the boys trying hard to defend in particular Craig, Harvey and
Harry Williams. This appears to work as the Colts regain the ball
with much of the football being played in midfield with Dillon, Sam
and Alex having to work hard, as Clifton begin to press forward and
with a loose Clifton player forever hovering free in the box the
Colts make hard work for themselves. But the Colts do win the ball
and immedieately push forward Harvey & Sam combining well, but
Clifton do enough to stop Sam releasing a shot. And as time in the
first half begins to draw to an end the Colts suddenly find themselves
having to defend again, Harry Hayward pulling off a brilliant save
to prevent Clifton gaining a two goal advantage. First half finishes
Clifton 2 , Colts 1.
During the break Steve makes several changes in order to try and
regain the initiative, and take the game to Clifton starting line up
being: Harry Hayward, Harry Williams, Harvey, Curtis (on for Craig)
Elliot (on for Alex) Matthew (on for Dillon) Jordan (on for Sam).
The
second half kicks off and with confidence high Clifton immediately
release a far blistering shot which Harry Hayward saves. The Colts
regain their thoughts and put some lovely football together which
allows Jordan to recieve the ball and run onto Clifton goal but they
do good and defend well, stopping Jordan but the ball runs loose
and falls for Elliot to try and take shot on goal. Colts begin to
press and with so many Colts forward and after some confusion between
Matthew & Elliot,
the ball now falls to Jordan for him to again use his pace and take
shot at goal. And what with a big kick from the Clifton keeper,
Clifton are able to run forward but only to be stopped by Curtis. Clifton once
again re-organised push forward and an unlucky kick hits Harry
Haywards hand for the ball to unfortunately fall in the Colts net ,
Clifton going 3-1 up.
Colts
feeling down push forward again, Harry Williams and Curtis attempting
to get the ball forward, & as Steve leaves the ground
the young Colts continue to show grit, detemination, perserverance & dedication
as Elliot comes close to getting a second after good link up play with
Jordan and Matthew. Now under the direction of all the parents the
boys slightly confused as to who is in command and control, after
some slight re-jigging the Colts continue to search for that second
elusive goal as Jordan now links up with Alex only for his shot
to go wide. And as the game begins to come to a close the Colts
not allowing themselves to feel sorry push foward as Jordan despatches
another shot only to see it defelected from goal to go out for a corner
which the boys are unable to use to thier advantage. Final score Clifton
3-1 Colts.
In
summary: from the start it was a dissappointing
day as Steve informs everybody that he is unable to carry on as
manager. We
(Parents & children) all understand his predicament. We thank him
for his massive contribution over these last few months. His perseverance
and the way in which he has developed each and everyone of the boys. Steve
we (Parents and boys) wish you all the best and a big thank you. As
for the team they once again worked hard in difficult circumstances
as Parent power came to the fore. Each and every one of them continued
to show great team spirit and never gave up hope at any stage of the
game. Every one of them deserved the man of the match award in their
own right, but after a difficult decision Trevor gave the award to
Harvey. Well done Harvey a great first goal that has been long awaited.
Now the search goes on for a new manager who can hopefully take the
boys that next step forward. Who ever it is he will receive a bunch
of boys who show talent, total commitment, team spirit and
even in difficult circumstances never let their heads drop. A special
thank you goes to Amanda Williams in her behind the scene efforts and
attempts to push the Blues forward. In the mean time Parent
Paul Wilson takes temporary charge of coaching matters until a committed
coach can be found.
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