Match Report NMJ's U9 Wasps versus Chinley Greens. 26/11/23
Frost on the pitch meant the first games of the day were cancelled, but for the 11.30 kick-off conditions looked good.
Coach Jordan was unavailable this week, as was Sam, one of our defensive anchors, so in stepped coach Phil & Oliver B to kindly fill the breach.
Last week was very much a game of two halves and it was key the Wasps started todays game the way they finished last week.
Everyone arrived promptly for the game, which allowed the warm-up to commence with a full nest of Wasps, and following a scrum to run through positions & strategy, they were ready for kick-off.
We knew Chinley would be a difficult & strong test, and perhaps the difference from the approach last week was the opportunity for mid-week training, but this week the Wasps looked ready with their heads high.
In previous games the Wasps have struggled to deal with their opponents when playing in their own half. The direction this week was to keep their positions & shape, protect the defensive line, but most importantly, play football in the oppositions half.
From the kick-off the Wasps took the game to their opponents, cutting through their defence at pace causing Chinleyproblems from the left, right and straight through the middle. The game was on!
The midfield held strong, threading the ball forward and battling to retrieve the loose ball, and it was battler Alfie who managed to unlock the Chinley defence to deliver a goal in calm fashion.
The shackles of previous games seemed be off and wave after wave of attacking Wasps pressure yielded more rewards, but Chinley were no meek opponent. One drop in concentration reminded the Wasps that Chinley were here for a game of football.
The first half finished with Wasps in the ascendancy, with their heads still high, looking like a confident team unit.
A change was made at the back for the start of the second half to maintain energy levels, in anticipation of Chinley bringing the game to the Wasps. That they did, but when called upon Frankie was on hand to keep the Wasps in the game.
However, the Wasps were not finished.
The defence looking to push the ball forward, the midfield terrorising the opposition when out of possession, everyone of them looking for the pass to release the forward charge.
The Wasps today:
Frankie:
He shouted instructions to the team in front of him, like the conductor of an orchestra. His hands looked twice a big today, pushing the ball to safety and diving on anything loose in his area.
Jacob:
The rock of the defence didn’t disappoint again. Anything or anyone looking to threaten Frankie’s goal was stopped at source and ushered away. He took time on the ball today to make sure the ball was put in the path of a teammate.
Alexander:
Watched the game carefully from the back and timed his movement to limit the oppositions opportunities. Any ball coming through in his vicinity was duly dispatched into the oppositions half.
Kai:
Last weeks POTM, the central link between defence & attack. Covered every blade of (4G) grass to make sure the game was taken to Chinley. Rightly rewarded with a goal for his efforts.
Dylan:
The left foot wand was out today. Constantly supplying balls into the danger zone. A drop of the shoulder & turn had Chinley in a tail spin. A couple of goals today could have been more if it wasn’t for his selflessness.
Alfie:
We spoke before the game about staying in position, which in the most part he did, and was critical in keeping Chinley at bay. He scored the opener and this terrior was clearly underestimated by the opposition.
Rocco:
This boy is ferocious. He breaks through the defence with devastating effect. If he cannot get the chance to score himself, he looks to supply others, but also battling to win the ball back out of possession. A constant headache to Chinley today and a hatrick was his reward.
Oliver B:
Covering in an unfamiliar position, but added a different dimension to it. Never looks back, only forward, a ball to feet or over the top. Score a goal Chinley? Not on Oliver’s watch.
If we had the choice they would all have player of the match for the performance today. Grit, determination, energy, togetherness, all in abundance. However, we only have one trophy.
A hatrick would usually seal player of the match, but today’s went to Alfie. He listened & did what was asked of him, and more. He battled for the team throughout the whole game. He is not the biggest player on the pitch, but a giant in a tackle. That first goal was key to releasing the Wasps shackles. Well done Alfie!
This was a great day for the Wasps, one they more than deserved. This band of boys are growing every week, not only in ability, but forming a bond & togetherness that was clear for everyone to see today.
We go again next week Wasps!
⚽️🖤💛⚽️
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