We had a game plan and had practised it well. Shame the plan didn't last long as we were soon one nil down to a penalty.
Another scrappy goal soon followed and I feared we might get turned over good and proper without Marco and Marcos in the squad.
Time for a change of plan. we got the message on to the pitch to change to press their players high up the pitch and win the ball as soon as possible. this stopped them playing and we got to half time at 2-0 down.
the second half was much the same. our new tactic hurried poppies into mistakes and we started to get some attacking moves of our own. they began to get frustrated and gave lots of free kicks away. one such incident led to our first goal. free kick to us just inside their half. everyone crowed the box and Oliver launched one of his big efforts their way. the ball soared in the air and managed to avoid everyone and eventually hit the back of the net. 1-2 game on!
we were matching them now and defended brilliantly. Elliott in particular did his defensive duties protecting Harvey and Zack. he was ridiculously mismatched in size to some poppies players but (as in the PTW game) it didn't matter a jot! he. got stuck in and used all the things about defending he had learnt. as did the other midfielders who all did their job superbly tracking back. at times I thought there were two Olivers on the pitch!!
half way into the second period, we had them under pressure at the back, forcing throw in after throw in. eventually we got close enough for Oliver to launch a huge throw which was then headed out for a corner. up steps Joe to fire in a beauty. who's on the end of it? Oliver , with a thumping header that Andy Carroll would have been proud of. Off the inside of the post and in for 2-2.
After that, we kept them to long range shots which we blocked or were saved easily by the awesome H.
another foul led to a free kick level with the penalty spot but out on the right side we called for Ed to use his wicked left foot. he stepped up and fired the ball towards the far corner. everyone thought it was in until an incredible goal
line clearance header by a poppies player.
I never felt we were going to concede again and all the players looked more confident now. Emre holding the ball up, Joe sprinting down the wing. Harvey had everything under control at the ball with wingman Zack communicating brilliantly. H wasn't letting anything through now either. Ed was tough, strong and skilful, Elliott was defending yet still progressive enough to play one-twos' and captain Oliver was leading by example by covering every single blade of (rough) grass.
What a comeback. what heart. it was a great day to be a youth footy coach. emotions ran high after the game and I was so proud of our attitude and adaptability.
if we continue in this way, we will be building a great side for next season.
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