MATCH REPORT - CUP GAME 10 - SAT 24 MARCH

MALPAS 4 - 1 ROCKETS

We rounded off the cup games with one of our best performances as the boys again took the training session into the match and we tried to get the ball down and play.

For large periods of the game we were the better team and at 1-1, after Bailey had equalised, we were going into half-time all square....until Malpas scored with a speculative shot which bounced through our defence before being flicked into the net. 

In the second quarter we had played some brilliant football including one move which involved every player - from Hugo, through the defence and midfield, before George's cross to Rory who brought a good save from the goalie. It would have been goal of the season and the move drew applause from both sets of parents and coaches.

At 2-1 the next goal was always going to be important. Unfortunately Malpas scored another two with similar goals where their midfielders shot waywardly from miles out only for the ball to fall both times to their striker.

We have told the boys, and we will keep repeating this mantra, that at this stage of the development we've got to be confident in playing the ball out from the back and today we looked like we belonged in the top division. This progression was always going to mean we give the odd goal away until we can find the balance of how we defended and organised versus our Jets and how we played football today.

Of the 10 games in the cup we only really got taken apart 3 times (Upton x 2 and Newscene at home). Highlights are obviously our 4-0 win against Newscene, our draw against Jets and how we played the last two weeks.

The boys also showed a great togetherness today as the game got a bit lively with a dive that Tom Daley would have been proud of, a couple of mis-timed Waverton tackles and the ref abandoning the game after I asked for a routine foul for tackle from behind. It was disappointing for them to throw every toy out the pram at 4-1 up, but overall it was an otherwise entertaining game.

MOTM went to Bailey who has shown he can lead the team and set the example.

Well done boys.