NMJFC U9 Wasps v Whaley Bridge Tigers14/01/24
Late kick-off again, which allowed the frost to thaw, and the sun to come out. Unfortunately for the meeting & pre-match warm-up, the chill was still there and the clouds were looming.
We have faced this Whaley Bridge team before and knew they were a force to be reckoned with. Well organised, with some talent that could pose a threat.
Jacob was still out and Rocco was unavailable, so the Wasps were provided with cover from our friends the Bees in Brooke & Leo, after playing in their game before, a big thank you to both.
So the Wasps lined up with:
Frankie in goal (having already put in a shift with the Bees), Sam & Alexander in defence, Kai centrally in-front of them, Dylan on the left, Alfie on the right, and Brooke up front in place of the absent Rocco. To go for impact, Leo waiting in the wings, the first time the Wasps have had a substitute since early December.
As we knew from the previous encounter the Tigers would pressure, and they did from the outset, but the Wasps rallied. When over-run, Sam & Alexander were assisted by Kai & Alfie, both tracking back to thwart the Tigers attack. Frankie, quick off the line to clear or pounce to gather the loose ball. Dylan dropping back to receive the ball to look to thread it through to Brooke.
This wasn’t going to be an easy game.
Sam & Alexander, although under great pressure were holding, with Frankie on hand as always.
A slight set-back mid-way through the first half saw Leo being introduced to replace Alexander at left back. For a forward, Leo’s timing, strength & speed made him look like a natural defender.
At every opportunity the Wasps were looking to probe forward, always under pressure from the Tigers. Brooke dropping deep to link up with Dylan & Alfie. When picking the ball up on the left Dylan twisted & turned to lose his marker and find the pass to a yellow shirt.
The first half ended with the Wasps knowing they had a game on their hands. Team talk, drink & refresh, the Wasps go again.
The second half begins with Alexander back in defence alongside Sam, both holding the back line, Kai putting in his usual shift to tackle & push the ball forward, Alfie, Dylan & Brooke coming deep, then driving forward.
The Wasps were beginning to take the game to the Tigers.
Kai & Alfie worked tirelessly to gain possession & feed the forward line. Kai with the long ball over the top, but today there was no Rocco to receive, so the ball had to be played on the ground. The Tigers packed the midfield to make finding that telling pass difficult for the Wasps.
Brooke dropped deeper to find a gap. A wriggle & turn and she was away, the Tigers seeing the danger & forcing her wide, another turn and the right footed cross across goal, Alfie sneaking in at the back post just missing the target.
The next time Dylan, again forced wide, bringing it onto that trusty left foot, but unable to find the target. A flurry of corners from Brooke & Dylan, the ball skipping across goal, hitting the side netting, or struck just wide, the Tigers were proving to be a tough nut to crack. This was end to end, both teams driving from defence to attack.
The Wasps dug in, Sam & Alexander coming to meet the oncoming ball, all the Wasps tracking back to stop the Tigers threat.
The Wasps were not done with this game. Leo on the field and another target for the defence & midfield to find. Determined defending from all, Alfie taking a ball to the face, but straight on his feet to go again, and off he went down the right wing.
The ball had broken through the Tigers midfield, Leo, Dylan, Brooke, the ball fired across goal, Kai charging forward, Alfie at the back post… just wide.
This wasn’t the Wasps day in-front of goal, Dylan could have had a couple, as could Brooke, Alfie was unlucky not to have scored a hatrick.
The match finished with some of the Wasps a little down in the mouth (see team photo) having thought they could have had a lot more out of the game, and on another day they would, and will.
They faced a very strong opponent, who were very well organised, difficult to break down and very quick come back on the counter attack, but the Wasps learn from every game and hopefully with a full nest next week they will yield what their efforts deserve.
Frankie in goal: He was on fine form, blocking with his hands & feet, holding onto loose balls, conducting the defence in-front of him.
Sam, right side of defence: Pushing forward when he could, but dropping back to stop the oppositions attack, greatperformance today.
Alexander, left side of defence: Held his position, and came back for the second half stronger, meeting the ball & pushing the oncoming attack into touch, out of danger.
Kia, the boss of the midfield: His effort is endless, helping at the back, always looking to unlock the opposition, and driving forward for the goal.
Dylan, left wing: Those twists & turns, searching & driving forward, but dropping back help the team, unlucky not be on the scoresheet today.
Alfie, right wing: Again the effort is endless, covering at the back, driving forward at every opportunity, so unlucky not to be on the scoresheet.
Brooke, striker: As a former Wasp she linked up very well with Dylan, constantly searching & providing opportunities for the team. The Tigers saw she was a threat.
Leo, striker: Covered at left back in Maldini style. This boys strength, speed & vision is a delight to watch, whether in defence or attack. Couldn’t find that telling run today.
Player of the match today went to Alfie. His relentless energy, taking a ball in the face and going on to press. So unlucky not to have scored, three times. Well done Alfie!
A big thank you to the Bees, helping out after your game. The Wasps, although not all of them, again showed their team spirit and determination.
We go again next week Wasps!
⚽️🖤💛⚽️
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