JOINT 3rd in Group - VAUXHALL TOURNAMENT
After stepping up a level in recent weeks, playing and beating Nomads and Tarvin A we arrived in fine form and spirits.
Drawn in Group B against two TNS sides, Vauxhall, Elton, Victoria Colts and Whitby we realised our task was somewhat daunting with more than a sprinkling of academy players in our group.
We started uncharacteristically slowly and after missing tackles and defensive mistakes we lost the first game 2-0 to Victoria Colts which was then followed by a really unfortunate 1-0 defeat to Vauxhall after we dominated and hit the post twice before conceding an unlucky goal at the death.
The boys began to realise that silly lapses in concentration get punished in tournament football as there is no time to get back into the match. For the first time since last October the coaches needed to be honest with the boys about their effort levels and tackling aggression.
The lads really stepped up over the next three games taking 7 from 9 points and putting us in touching distance of the semi-final. We beat Whitby 1-0 with a fine move and goal involving Rory who crossed to Austin for the winner. We then drew 0-0 with Elton in a tight game.
Our best moment came against TNS, who had some really talented players. Most of the TNS lads played on the emotional edge but one lad in particular had spent most of the previous 4 games moaning at the ref, throwing himself to the ground, crying and generally being unmanageable - HE WAS OUR TARGET!
We went 1-0 down from a unfortunate goalkeeping moment but the boys worked really hard as we switched from 3 defenders to a 2-2-2 system with Xander joining Rory. Xander equalised with his first kick and then Rory got us the winner for one of the more memorable victories and to claim a good scalp! There was just time for Will B to completely take out the TNS defender with a X-rated assault and for Hugo to make up for his error with a fine save from the resulting free-kick.
In the final game we probably went too attacking but we needed 3 points to progress. Unfortunately our concentration seemed spent as on two occasions the TNS forward got in behind us to score. The game finished 4-0 but we were beaten by a very good team.
Overall the boys can be proud, especially in 4 of the 6 games. We can take the positives that in other than the last game we competed at a high level and were 'in' all the matches. We must though start with more intent in short games and we absolutely have to concentrate on the players around us defensively against talented sides.
Bring on Blacon and Prees!
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