The first thing to contend with on the morning was a different pitch layout which meant that we couldn't play the carefully chosen seven player teams. We would have to revert to six players, as the new pitch layout was much smaller.
Something that was noted by the trainers was that the Old Catton players who arrived first were able to organise themselves into a square and began practising passes without any adult direction. This is something we need to instil in our players if they are going to beat these teams.
HPR getting in the party mood!
Blofield game (final score HPR won 4 - 1)
Up first were Blofield who we've always beaten in the past. HPR were straight into it and Ted soon poached a goal kick and knocked it back to get 1 - 0 up in the first minute. A quick celebration and Blofield were pushing forward. They soon had one back as the HPR defence had a little sleep. Apart from that little slip-up, the back line of Max & Felix with Sol in midfield let very little get past them. Ted took another run through and had another, with Archie G taking another shot shortly after with some nice crosses from Ted. Frankie was able to keep HPR in the lead at half time with a stretching dive to turn the ball 'round the post.
A quick chat and a change of players and we were 3 - 1 up courtesy of Archie R who displayed some excellent skill on the right wing throughout the half. Archie G saved another Blofield chance by making a quick a decision to come out and block a shot. Aidan proved a very useful midfield player getting back to help the defence of Evie & Frankie, as well as covering a lot of ground to assist the forwards. The whole team were using those passing skills to very good effect and Luke was able to seal the game at 4 - 1.
Old Catton game (final score HPR lost 3 - 1)
The next game was going to be a different affair as Old Catton are one of the ones to beat - even without their big player Rafa called up to play for the Norwich City Academy. The plan was to keep Ted in goal for both halves and keep the defence solid. HPR started off looking disorganised which proved dangerous as Old Catton were straight on the attack with an unfortunate shot deflecting off Aidan and past the goalie. Aidan was able to get back and hit the Old Catton post and there was some linked up play, but Old Catton soon had another. Just before half time, a pass from Aidan to Archie R, and then onto Sol had one back for HPR as well as Sol's first league goal of the season.
The second half was one to remember even though the opposition had a lucky break when Ted tipped one onto the top of the bar which then dropped for their forward to knock in at short range. Then Felix stopped one on the line and kept the rebound out too. It was end to end stuff with Aidan getting two near misses and the adults getting very excited indeed. Felix had come alive - despite shivering just before half time as he'd refused to put his jacket on - and was taking out every Old Catton attack out to keep the score 3 -1.
Player of the match was Ted for some brilliant goal keeping and scoring twice in the first game.
No comments:
Post a Comment