Match Report NMJFC U9s Wasps - 10/12/23
NMJ's U9 Wasps versus Hayfield:
A cold & very wet winters morning set the stage for this fixture against our neighbours. We knew from the last game against Hayfield, they were a difficult team who could cause us problems.
After the fabulous performance two weeks ago, the formation stayed the same, but with Jacob missing after sustaining an ankle injury in the last game, the Wasps faced Hayfield without their defensive rock, and without a substitute.
The team entered the pitch in good spirits, and with a quick exchange passing routine to warm up, the Wasps looked ready.
The game started at a good pace, each team probing and looking to penetrate the oppositions defence. The ball travelled quickly on the wet surface meaning there was little in the way of midfield duels, this was a defence to attack game from both teams.
The Wasps looked to be finding the slippery surface and pace of the ball difficult to deal with, which allowed Hayfield to slip through the back line a few times, only to find Frankie in their way between the sticks.
Hayfield's energy was high for most of the first half and they applied consistent pressure on the Wasps defence, but when Sam & Alexander worked together to get the ball clear, the Wasps were a constant threat on the counter attack.
Kai & Alfie retrieving, pushing the ball forward to Dylan & Rocco, but the Hayfield defence stood strong. When the Wasps did break through, the Hayfield goalkeeper pulled off some outstanding saves to keep the ball out of their goal.
The whistle ended a very tough first half, but with a gentle reminder of what had helped them in the last game, the Wasps started the second half looking to apply pressure and take the game to Hayfield.
Sam & Alexander stayed compact, followed the direction from Frankie, Kai looking for the long ball forward, Alfie & Dylan providing width and Rocco terrorising the Hayfield defence. The Wasps were on the hunt for the goal that eluded them in the first half. Every ball was challenged, each Wasp playing their part to keep the ball in the oppositions half.
Hayfield managed to break through but the attitude was different in the second half. The pressure and determination showed and although Rocco & Dylan were stifled by the Hayfield defence & goalkeeper, Alfie snook in to slot one home.
This wasn’t the best day for the Wasps. It was wet, the surface was slippy, the Hayfield goalkeeper was excellent when under attack from whatever Rocco & Dylan fired at him, but again the boys showed the resilience they have in abundance. You make the coaches & parents proud.
Player of the week could & should have been given to them all, but for the stoic performance & continually orchestrating the defence infront of him Frankie C got the trophy. Well done Frankie & well done Wasps.
Next week we have the delight of facing our good friends the Bees for the last game before the Christmas break.
We go again next week Wasps!
⚽️🖤💛⚽️
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