Match Report NMJFC U9 Wasps v Tintwistle Diamonds - 21/01/24
Late kick-off again, and it was a breezy afternoon at Glossopdale, only a slight threat of rain.
Rocco was back this week, and although on the mend Jacob failed an early fitness test leaving the Wasps without a substitute again, so energy levels needed to be high for this game.
There were mixed feelings about our opposition amongst the coaches, but the one thing we did know is this wasn’t going to be an easy game, and the turbulent weather would be another battle.
So the Wasps lined up with a more familiar:
Frankie in goal, Sam & Alexander in defence, Kai centrally in-front of them, Dylan on the left, Alfie on the right, and Rocco back to lead the charge up front.
The Wasps started the first half, Rocco back to Kai, out to Dylan seeking that gap through the Diamonds back line. Tintwistle made their intentions clear from the outset. There was going to be no time on the ball for the Wasps, the Diamonds were pressing in numbers.
The Wasps were on the back foot, but defending in numbers to keep the oppositions attack at bay. Frankie was on hand to parry the ball away and gather in the goal-mouth, but he was not happy with the ball being played so close to his goal.
A cold start saw the Wasps struggling to get the ball out of their own half, a problem they had at the beginning of the season. Perhaps it was the weather, causing the mid-week training to be cancelled, or the wind on the pitch seemingly preventing them from connecting as they have in previous games.
The Wasps seemed to be playing uphill. A reset & reboot was required and half time couldn’t have come soon enough.
The boys came in for the break, not with heads down but definitely ready for a re-group. Words of confidence from the coaches, a reminder of what they can do, a drink and back out.
The re-boot cleared the cobwebs, and kick started the Wasps back into the team they are. Sprit & determination showed, this game was by no means finished.
Rocco dropped a little deeper, seeking the ball. Alfie & Dylan were tracking back to cover before the Diamonds created a threat. Kai stood strong in the middle, tracking left & right to prevent an attack.
Sam & Alexander were on outstanding form at the back, meeting the loose ball, forcing forward at every opportunity.
As the second half progressed the Wasps came into their own. The break through midfield, and the familiar three pronged counter attack of Dylan, Rocco & Alfie. All three so unlucky not to have scored on a number of occasions. Sometimes getting in each others way to break through, which goes some way to show how much this means to all of them.
The break was on again, great link-up play between Kai & Rocco, Alfie, Dylan, the ball goes through, and who is there to ghost in at the back post again…Alfie!
The team today:
Frankie in goal: Without him the scoreline would have been very different. Big hands today, pushing the powerful shots away from danger. On one occasion pushing it onto the post, rebounding to the other to gather on the line.
Sam at right back: This boy has grown in every game. Caught wrong-footed a couple of times, but more than made up for it in his recovery challenges. The speed he broke forward to tackle & clear in the second half was incredible.
Alexander at left back: This year has seen a great development in his game. Watching & following the ball all game. Pushing the opposition wide, having the confidence to drive & meeting the oncoming ball. Very little got behind him, great performance throughout.
Kai in the middle: A difficult day today for the midfield General. Constantly under pressure from the opposition. Looking to protect his defence and always looking to drive forward. His energy is endless, and a key part to second half transformation.
Dylan on the left: Covered so much ground today, helping at the back in the first half, and crucial to forward line trinity. The diamonds knew he was a threat and marked him closely, but they could not stop this boy breaking through. Provider most of today, but the goalscorer will return.
Alfie on the right: Played his part in both halves. Like Dylan, helping at the back to weather the storm. Only one thing on this boys mind…forward! Some great link-up play, and again got his goal.
Rocco at the front: The Diamonds clearly had him marked, giving him no space to move, but this did not stop Rocco. He gave everything. Sometimes the sole striker, coming deeper to retrieve, linking with Kai, Dylan & Alfie. Outstanding performance.
The player of the match, as we have said before, could have gone to any one of them, but today for the sheer determination and providing the constant threat to the Diamonds, the coaches gave it to Rocco. Well done Rocco & well deserved.
The Wasps hoped for a better result today, but this was definitely a game of two halves. A slow start, not quite clicking but showing resilience. A second half for them all to be proud of. Team spirit showed and they got their reward.
Another game without a substitute against a team constantly changing to have fresh legs. Credit goes to these boys.
We go again next week Wasps!
⚽️💛🖤 💛🖤 ⚽️
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