Precision Sports 1 vs 3 Bootle FC U16s

After rain throughout the week i was half expecting this weeks game to be called off due to the rain we had this week so to turn up and see the pitches in a better condition than expected was a relief.

The lads were given a stern talking too prior to the game on last weeks performance on how we should be conducting ourselves throughout each scenario and if we don't, we deserve nothing. We need to stay together at all times and only in this scenario would we achieve things.

The was also discussion on previous encounters with Precision and how the first 15 minutes are vital, previously when beaten against them we are not organised from the off and we've caught cold, leaving us chasing the game.
I was convinced if we got through this period, we would win.

The game kicked off and it was the usual bombardment from Precision, starting the game well and aiming high balls at us, so Joel, Tim, Sean and Matty would have to be alert with the rest of the team picking up the second balls, largely we did this and the game settled down.
We now started to get some possession in the game and calmed it down, this helped us created a few good chances with Callum and Tom playing a big part.
They both linked up with Jack to feed Glen in after he made a great run cutting in from the left, he spun and hit it first time beating the out stretched keeper, 1-0.
Precision are a strong and organised team so we still had to be on our toes to combat any attacks and we were equal to them at all times with no real chances going their way. It wasn't long until we witnessed one of the most intelligent pieces of play from our team, Elliott Hay drove thru carrying the ball on the left hand of the penalty area taking two opposition players with him then just at the right time he fed Glen thru a neat pass between them both, Glen steadied himself and slotted into the far corner, 2-0.
It was now looking comfortable for us and the only danger i could see, would be from ourselves thru lack of focus and shape. This came close to the end when Precision pulled a goal back after we gave away a needless foul on our left.
HT 0-2
The second half was much more of an even affair with it becoming a midfield battle that the two Elliotts, Callum, Tim and Charlie were up for, this helped us keep the scoreline in our favour.
No real chances were created of note until the last 10 minutes of the game when Precision started getting on top thru crosses and counter attacks. Two chances went begging for them but they were difficult chances to take on a poor pitch after two great crosses, Jacob cut out a potential 3-2 counter in their favour on the half way line by being alert.
Our defenders stood firm, with our wide men tucked in and deep to add support, this it enabled us to have one of a few counters of the day, when Elliot n Tim won the ball, fed Callum deep into his own half to run beating three men with Jack providing a great distraction run for the defender, Callum was then left to round the keeper and slot into an empty net, the celebrations said it all with all the lads running to Callum including the subs to congratulate him, it was relief as much as anything.
What a GOAL it was tho, well done Cal.
FT 1-3

This was a much needed win for confidence but to also affirm to people including the players that we are a good team and what we can achieve together, if we stick together, work hard and listen to instructions.
Predator next week, so more of the same please.

Goals Glen x 2 & Callum x 1
MOM: All the lads played a huge part today but i'll go for Ell Hay who was confident and aggressive when needed, helping out his defence but also playing his part in one of the goals, he set the standard today, well done.