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Match Report U12s vs Shevington Strikers
League Cup 3rd Round 7th January
After a long break for Christmas, Euxton
played Shevington Strikers in the 3rd round of
the league cup. We knew that this was going to be a hard
game because Shevington beat us on the first day of the
season and the 4-week break meant that we had little time to
prepare the boys.
Critical to winning this match was the
need for everyone to do his job and gladly they all did. In
particular the defenders had to be strong against a skilful
forward line. George picked up the big centre forward and
marked him really well. Jack picked up the runners and
Dominic played the sweeper role as well as you will see it
played at this age.
However we had great performances across
the team and it was definitely Euxton’s first half. We led
after 10 minutes when Connor scored well following good work
from Craggy and Josh.
We then had 2 other great chances to
extend the lead but did not quite take them and as the first
half was drawing to a close it looked like we would take a 1
–0 lead into the break.
With 2 minutes of the half left Josh had
the ball wide left and beat his man (not for the first time
in the half) ignoring his coaches instructions to hit in an
early cross, he then went on a mazy run which seemed to be
going nowhere. Faced with 3 defenders around him he created
space and delivered a perfect cross to the back post where
Chris timed his run and leapt well to head home. It was
great play from both wide players. What do the coaches know
anyway!
At 2 –0 we knew that we had the better
of the first half but had too much respect for Shevington to
believe the game was over.
Shevington then had the better of the
second half and more of the play involved Euxton defending
rather than attacking. We did have a couple of breakaway
chances but we were pressed back on the whole.
This was when the team defended well.
The midfield worked really hard and the defenders were up
against it. Matty pulled off 2 great saves and the
Shevington forward hit the bar when in a great position. A
goal then and it would have been really interesting. In the
end the Shevington forwards became frustrated at the close
marking and it was clear it was going to be our day.
On 58 minutes Josh went on a great run
and hit a fantastic shot that the keeper tipped onto the
bar. Lewis was first to react and placed his shot well to
extend our lead.
Two minutes later he finished well after
a mix up in the Shevington defence inside the box to make it
4 –0. It had been a frustrating day for Lewis but he had
taken these late chances well.
4-0 was not a true reflection of the
game, just as the 3-0 defeat earlier in the season had not
been either. These teams are well matched and both games had
been competitive with plenty of good football on show.
It was a great win to continue our
defence of the trophy.
Discuss this game in the Villa Room!! |
