Precision 4 vs 3 Bootle FC U16s

We looked forward to today’s County Cup game with confidence after our earlier convincing victory against Precision in the league.
Hearing closer to the game that we would be without two of our bigger players it was a tough one to take but we couldn’t feel sorry so we reshuffled and got in with it, knowing that whoever is on the pitch and we are at our best we are a match for anyone.

The lads turned up and I had a feeling then that we didn’t seem focussed in the warm up and not enough was being put into it, would this affect us in the game?

We kicked off and we’re instantly on the front up and within minutes should’ve been one nil up but we failed to capitalise. To rub salt into the wounds, Precision went straight up field and pounced on an error in our half and converted.
The lads didn’t let their heads go down and continued to play on the front foot and equalised sooner after, 1-1. We had a further few chances but we were choosing the wrong option each time.
It seemed vain though as we continued to shoot ourselves in the front by gifting two goals to Precision. It was difficult to watch as we were still making play into their half but the mistakes cost us.
HT 3-1
I told the lads at half time, to concentrate more, keep focus and believing and chances would come, the message was go out with pride.
We delivered in the second half as it was all us and like Alamo at times but Precision were defending like demons and Lenny in goal was in fine form.
Glen made it 3-2 after latching onto a through ball to lob the ball but with the clocking ticking and us practice playing 2-2-6 formation to grab the equaliser, Precision countered and grabbed the fourth.
Again though, the lads pushed and we scored a third through a brilliant free kick from Callum with around 7 minutes left in the game.
We laid siege onto the Precision goal with brilliant saves, defending and posts denying us but it wasn’t to be, the boys go out.
Congrats and good luck to Precision who played a good game.
FT 4-3

This was hard to take but it’s only our third defeat in 13 months so I can’t be too hard on the lads and we’ll bounce back that’s for sure. Testament of a good team and character is how you come back from setbacks.
One thing is for sure, we need a full squad at games and players available to challenge but this is always a risk so with this in mind, we have signed on a new player in Bryn who will add real competition to the team.

Goals: Callum, Tom & Glen
MOM: Callum, fought to the end to get us back in the team.