|
Date |
Sunday 9th September 2012 |
|
Match |
Royston Town Youth Colts v Shelford & Stapleford |
|
Competition |
Cambridge & District Colts League U13 A |
|
Result |
Won 5-0 |
|
Royston Scorers |
Callum 2, Mick 2, Jake |
|
Man of Match |
Tommy T |
The eagerly anticipated 2012/2013 season started with the visit of Shelford & Stapleford Strikers to the Heath on a bright and warm morning perfect for football. The sun was shining, there was a gentle breeze and the newly situated pitch looked brilliant.
The pre-season schedule had prepared the boys well with a good mixture of opposition strength and some team performances ranging from good to outstanding. Today we faced S&S with a squad of 14 – missing Olly and Kyle – but demonstrating the depth of strength and ability in this Colt’s squad the boys lined up looking fit, keen and confident.
We have four new players this season – Max returning from Bassingbourn, Jonah joining from Bassingbourn and Jake and Jordan both transferring to us from our visitors today, Shelford & Stapleford – so today’s game would be even more exciting for them.
Andy, Keith and I lined them up asking them to play the passing game that we have been working on in training, remain patient and to create good chances on goal. We asked them to be confident, trust their team-mates and encourage each other.
Starting line up was: Rory, George – right back, Joe – left back, Skipper Callum and Tommy T – centre-halfs, Mick – left midfield, Jordan – right midfield, Keiran and Adam – centre midfield, with Max and Jake upfront. This left Lynson, Foxy and Jonah on the bench raring to go when asked.
The game started with Royston on the front foot and we forced a couple of early corners with good work from Mick and Jordan on the wings. The S&S keeper was forced into making some good early saves and Mick kept him busy with shots that he dealt with easily. Keiran and Adam in the middle were getting to grips with their break up roles and Jake and Max upfront were showing for passes and looking strong.
A good move up the left with a one-two between Mick and Joe saw a shot crash against the bar and the period of full on pressure continued. The first goal game about 25 minutes in with a good bit of hold up play from Max released Mick and this time the keeper got nowhere near a superb shot that found the far top corner. 1-0. The second goal came about five minutes later with a fine team footballing move started from Jonah at the back, moved along the backline via Tommy T and Joe, up the left for Mick to run on and cross low for Callum to arrive with a first shot that was well blocked and then his determination saw him crash the ball into the net from two yards at the second attempt. 2-0. Half-time two nil to Royston.
We sat the boys down in the warm weather, urged them to take on liquid, and congratulated them on their first half performance and especially their patience in creating the many chances on goal. We swapped a few personnel and positions and sent them out again for more of the same.
The second half saw Lynson come into the game more after a slowish start and he looked fired up and determined. A good bit of play between Jake and Max got the ball out wide to Lynson and he sent in a firm low cross for Callum to plant a good accurate side foot shot from 12 yards in the bottom corner. 3-0. More good work from Lynson found Max for a cross and this time Jake got on the end of it to finish confidently against his former team-mates. 4-0.
The scoring was completed when a surging run from
The boys continued to push on creating more chances and but for some good goalkeeping and resolute defending the score could have been more, notably Jonah forcing a block with a powerful header from a corner. Rory at the other end was rarely tested but kept everyone sharp with good calling, coming confidently off of his line to clear and to play back passes and kicking well throughout. Foxy had slotted into centre-half for the second half and looked assured and solid. George had played in three different positions ranging from left back to centre-forward looking keen and able in all roles.
Overall it was a pleasing performance from all our squad and some good league debuts by the four new players. With fourteen in the game squad substitutions were many and often but the boys adapted well and adjusted quickly where necessary.
We look forward to a fun, exciting and enjoyable season.
