NMJFC U9 Wasps v NMJFC U9 Hornets 04/02/24
Earlier kick-off for todays derby game against our training partners the Hornets. The Wasps played them earlier this season, and we knew this would again be the strongest challenge this rebuilt team would face.
The day was a little chilly, and the clouds were looming, but it was dry for the approach to the game and looked like great playing conditions for the New Mills Juniors derby day.
With a great performance under their belt from last week, the Wasps should have been confident that they could challenge this weeks opponents.
Sadly, our defensive rock was ruled out after a late fitness test, get well soon Jacob. So the Wasps faced their challenge without a substitute again. Fortunately, our friends, the Bees provided cover on the form of Leo, to help weather the oncoming Hornets storm.
So the Wasps lined up with:
Frankie in goal, Sam & Alexander in defence, Dylan left midfield, Leo covering on the right (awaiting the arrival of Alfie), and Kai & Rocco up front.
The Wasps were happy with the same formation that reaped rewards last week, and faced the game with confidence.
The whistle went to signal the start, the Wasps passed the ball confidently, but the pressure from the Hornets was evident. The strength of the opponents was apparent from the outset, the defence would have to be strong to prevent the wave of Hornets attacks.
Kai immediately reverted to his former role almost naturally, tracking back to cut out the ball, but when it did penetrate Sam & Alexander were on fine form in the back line, catching the approaching ball or forcing the opposition wide to stop the threat.
Frankie looked like nothing was going to get between the sticks. When called upon, he gathered on the line, pushed it wide, and what a save tipping the ball onto the bar from a powerful long range shot.
Alfie arrived a little late for kick-off, and had to wait to be introduced, replacing Leo who had put in a fine display. The Wasps back to the familiar line up took the game to the Hornets and the half time whistle went to end a tough half, but one where the Wasps showed they were a team to contend with.
Half time regroup, words of confidence from the coaches, the same line-up that ended the first half, back out, and the second half commences.
The Hornets stepped up the pressure from the whistle, and although the midfield battled and the defensive line held strong, the game was being played in the Wasps half of the field.
Without detracting from his fine performance, and purely to introduce a direct delivery from defence to the forward line, Leo replaced Alexander at right back. The change seemed to make a difference. Leo with the long ball over the top to Kai, a link pass to Alfie, the Wasps were starting to play the ball further up the field.
Dylan & Alfie battled throughout, defending when called upon, which was more of the game than anyone wanted, but still driving forward. Linking up with Kai & Rocco, always looking to provide that telling pass when the opportunity arrived.
To keep fresh legs at the back, and again, not detracting from a very good performance from Sam, Alexander came back on to accompany Leo at the back to see out the game.
Today was really tough for Rocco. Because of the relentless pressure from the Hornets, Kai, Dylan & Alfie were drawn deeper leaving Rocco as the lone striker for large portions of the game. He too dropped deep to retrieve and broke forward at every opportunity. A couple of chances just off target, but a thorn in the Hornets side throughout the game.
Before the game we made it clear to the Wasps, the result today wasn’t important. What was important was how the Wasps played as a unit against the strongest team in this age group and to show how far they have come since we faced this team earlier in the season. I think that progress was apparent to everyone watching from the sidelines.
We have said this before, but what this team shows week after week, is resilience & determination. They showed that again, working as a team and battled together.
A big thank you to Leo for providing support, and that pivotal role in an unfamiliar position.
Every player on the field for the Wasps gave their all. This wasn’t the type of game that paved the opportunity for finesse & clean-cut openings. It was a game of grit and camaraderie.
We couldn’t single one player out for Player of the Match today, they all gave everything for the team, so today it went to all of them for a performance they should all be very proud of.
Well done Frankie, Sam, Alexander, Leo, Alfie, Dylan, Kai & Rocco!!
We go again next week Wasps!
⚽️ 💛🖤💛🖤⚽️
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