Heath ballerz u12 4 - 2 LEAMINGTON LIONS U12jw
POM: Alexia
Goals: Amelia, Theia
We may have lost today’s match, but I do enjoy games where we see improvements in the way the girls are playing. HB sit just a position above us in the table so, on paper, the fixture should give us an opportunity to hold on to the ball and play our own game, as apposed to chasing the opposition all game.
Despite the scoreline, which was essentially down to their one attacker making all four goals, our Lions had lots of chances to think on the ball and pass or run as they saw fit. This saw Imogen, Theia, Lottie and Bee with lots of positive moves down the line during the match. Ably assisted by Rob this week, our tactics were to try our best to keep a solid back four and build from the back; thus not being caught out early and keeping the girls confidence up. In the first half the girls were mostly able to contain HB’s formidable centre forward, but this came at the cost of not being able to produce much going forward from midfield. At half time we were 2-0 down and looking for a change.
The second half got underway with Eva passing the goalie gloves to Sophia in midfield and Holly and Alexia agreeing that Holly would play ahead in a central midfield/defense position. After a bit of an unsettled start where HB took advantage to score two just a few minutes apart, the girls found their feet and started to pick up the ball in midfield and put some passing movements together.
On 39 minutes Eva, Theia and Amelia passed the ball between them and through the defence to really put the pressure on HB and force a loose ball in the area that was keenly poked home by Amelia. There followed a period of much more attacking football, culminating in a super pass by Imogen that put Amelia in a great forward position to fire the ball into the sagging crossbar (it was noted that a younger, fitter goal would have let that in).
All was not lost because Theia had tracked up field with the run of play and was ready to pick up the deflection a yard or so out and fire it home for our second goal. Great football to watch. At both ends too. Sophia with some very important saves in goal. Alexia collected Coach’s Boot this week for marshalling the defensive line and carrying out the game plan for the entire match. There was lots of clear and positive communication and strong and decisive tackling and movement to inspire the team.
Thanks to Alex for support on the line again this week, Jon for goalie warmups before the match, and Rob for helping with the coaching.
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