NMJFC U9 Wasps v Whaley Bridge Sharks28/01/24
1pm kick-off at Glossopdale against one of our neighbours. Despite the recent cold temperatures and downpours, the day looked good for football. Dry and 9 degrees, a pleasant day for the players, and the parents watching from the sidelines.
With the rain again seeing mid-week training being cancelled, we managed to secure an impromptu training session on the astro-turf on Saturday to give the kids a valued opportunity to play together. Also, the return of Jacob at training and todays game meant the Wasps nest was full, so we could field a full side and refresh with a substitute, a privilege we haven’t had for a number of weeks.
The coaches had liaised during the week to look to change the formation, to inject a little more drive going forward.
A few late comers for the warm-up, but as a relief to the coaches the Wasps could finally play with seven & a substitute.
Warm-up with some passing on the move & shooting practice from a moving cross-field ball. A quick scrum to discuss & reinforce the formation change, the Wasps looked ready.
So, the Wasps lined up with:
Frankie in goal, Sam & Jacob in defence, Dylan in left midflield, Alfie in right midfield, and the crucial change, Kia & Rocco up front. Alexander waiting in the wings to provide cover to keep the defence fresh.
The Sharks came into the game seemingly struggling for results, so after a discussion between the coaches, we agreed to the Sharks fielding 8 players against 7 Wasps, conditioned by us monitoring their advantage.
Perhaps it was the extra player, maybe the Wasps readjusting the formation change, but they weren’t quite clicking from the outset. A few loose passes, no-one tracking back, the Sharks were on the front foot, and within minutes Frankie was tested, and the Wasps couldn’t clear their lines, the Sharks had the advantage.
The Wasps needed to get into the game. A few passes through the midfield saw the Wasps breaking through into the Sharks half of the field. Although Afie shouldn’t have been so far forward, he was providing a threat and supporting the new two strikers. Again, Dylan was probably driving too far forward, but the link-up play between all of them was starting to click. The Wasps found some pockets of space and two touches to get the ball out for his feet, Rocco smashed the ball into the roof of the Sharks goal.
That settled them, and they found their rhythm, releasing the ball sooner and the Wasps would have had a greater advantage. A collision in the middle of the field saw Rocco struggling, winded and off the field to take breather. A very quick change, Jacob in the centre, temporarily back to the diamond formation, and they found a way through with Dylan slotting the ball home.
The half time whistle goes with the Wasps holding the advantage, and Rocco back on the touch line eager to start the second half.
A drink, a breather to recharge, but also a team talk.
Were the Wasps happy with the formation they started the game in? They were.
After a very good first half & return after a lengthy spell out, Jacob was on the side lines and the familiar back two of Sam & Alexander.
The second half commences with the wind in the Wasps sails, and perhaps the familiarity of the team of recent weeks gave them the confidence to stride on. There were a few shaky moments at the back, but with Frankie stopping every loose ball, this week blocking & launching the ball forward in one move, exceptional. The extra Sharks player wasn’t apparent, the Wasps were connecting.
Kai dropping back to gather, Dylan & Alfie the same, passing and making space. Kai played the false 9 perfectly today, not getting a goal himself but providing so many opportunities for the team through Dylan on the left, little exchanges with Alfie, but most importantly with Rocco.
After a flurry of Wasps attacks, who yet again sneaks in at the back post to deliver the punishing blow?…Alfie, our silent assassin.
More was to come, Dylan was on fine form today in his new role, seemingly with more freedom. The dropped shoulder, a spin, a turn, finding the pass quicker, and finding his shooting boots today.
The Sharks made this a good contest. They were not shying away, Rocco catching a nasty knock to the knee, but would the player of the week last week lie down? Not even coming off the pitch for a breather, he was determined to see this one out.
Jacob coming back really helped keeping focus & fresh legs at the back, perhaps this was the solidity the Wasps needed, but the four probing forward really made the difference. The game finished with the opposition with 9 players on the pitch versus the Wasps 7, which shows the character & spirit these boys have developed throughout the season.
The Wasps had two hattrick heroes today, one being last weeks player of the match Rocco, a wry smile on his face as he knew he couldn’t have PofM for two successive matches. The second hattrick hero, Dylan. He came on the pitch not in the best of form, but with a few words of encouragement, he joined the warmup. He showed he was keen to work with the new formation, and his demeanour changed from the first kick of the ball. Tracking back for the team & ruthless going forward, connecting with Kia, Rocco, Alfie & the defence on occasions, breaking through with devastating effect.
As we have said in previous games, the player of the match should have gone to all of them, but today it was Dylan’s day, and very well deserved. Well done Dylan!!
We go again next week Wasps!
[PS. Forgive the down face from Frankie on the team photo, I promised him a sandwich from the van after the game, and we thought it would be closed by the final whistle…He got his sandwich]
⚽️💛🖤 💛🖤 ⚽️
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