6th November 2005
Appley Bridge 1 Euxton Villa
2
It is a fact that over the
course of a long season , any team that has had any
success, has had to grind out the odd result. To win ugly
matches. To win when they have not played well. The Under
11's learnt that valuable lesson in this game.
They came across a hardworking
Appley Bridge team who had a number of useful players and
were clearly intent on showing that the result of the pre
season friendly between these teams was not a true
reflection of their ability. Maybe that previous match had
lulled the Euxton players into a false sense of
security, maybe one or two players seemed to be carrying
injuries, but whatever it was were were far from our best
and Appley Bridge have every right to feel disappointed
not to take something from the game.
During the first half the
Euxton midfield did not get hold of the Appley Bridge No
10 and he was making strong runs to join his forwards. The
offside trap was not working as well as it could and we
had too many chases back towards our own goal. The
midfield were getting missed out and we were playing very
narrow and not making the most of the width. Up front we
were not holding the ball up and AB certainly had the
better of the half. I can only recall us having 2 shots,
both straight at the keeper.
With 5 minutes to go in the
half AB took advantage of some half hearted challenges
from Euxton and after a strong run the striker lifted the
ball over Matthew's head from outside the box. It was a
well taken goal and you could see the belief that it gave
the AB players.
At half time we made some
arrangements to get closer in midfield and to use the
width more. Rather like the game at Leyland we knew we had
to start the second half stronger. The boys responded well
and for first 15 minutes of the second half both teams
were playing strongly but Euxton were winning more tackles
and we started to see Josh and Oliver making runs on the
wings.
After 52 minutes we worked
hard down the left hand side and after a shot from Connor
came off the keeper it fell to Myles inside the box and he
finished well. It was well deserved as he had played his
part in closing down the AB midfield. The relief was clear
to both the players and supporters of Euxton and it seemed
to spur the team on. Within 2 minutes and good pass from
midfield sent Connor heading for goal. He timed his run
well and just before the defender could get a tackle in he
put in a low shot to the keepers left and beat him. It was
one of only 2 chances for Connor in the match - but we
have to believe that however well we are playing we we
have enough talent to create chances and take them
Appley Bridge to their credit
came back strongly and whilst not creating a clear cut
chance pushed hard . The game was close and, on this
evidence, was between two evenly matched teams who played
the game in the right spirit. Euxton certainly played well
below what we have seen from them so far this season, but
that was in part due to the talent and hardwork of the AB
team.
What was pleasing was that
whilst things were not going well the boys stuck together
and their was no criticism of each other. They worked hard
and were determined not to let the good start to the
season be lost. They handled the "pressure" of being
behind in a match they expected to win well and stuck at
it. For those reasons they deserved the win - but as
we told the boys at the end we may have used up our " get
out of jail " card. However you do it, its still worth 3
points.
Thanks to the parents for the
support you gave to the boys - they need your help more
than ever when things are tough.
Man of the Match : James G
