Brierley Cubs U11 4 vs 2 Bawtry Juniors Football Cl

Gutted for the result, but not the performance or effort to get back into and draw level, to then dominate the middle period of the game like we did today. 4-2 loss does not reflect what happened and following the first 15 minutes when we went behind by 2 goals and could have conceded another, the resilience and fight back was excellent.

As coaches and parents, we might all feel a little down about being knocked out of the cup. However, we cannot be frustrated with the effort today. On another day we take several of the chances, including hitting the post twice and having a goal ruled out for offside that was yards on (someone needs to explain phases of play to the opponents) and are out of sight!

Q super performance at left back, not only contributed defensively with his customary tackling, but was composed playing some lovely passes down the line and had a couple of long range efforts with one just going over the bar from 25 yards out.

Michael at right back played the inverted full back role well, setting up several attacks with his trademark barnstorming runs into the opponents half. Went close with a couple of chances and was unlucky not to connect again with his head from corners.

Lewis solid at the back, calm under pressure, long range passing from offsides and free kicks, but most pleasing we are really starting to see his organisation and talking to team mates, informing them when they had time to turn or play it out of play due to being closed down.

Seth another consistent performance at CDM, some good tackling, passing excellent and a willingness to cover defensive areas was coupled with attacking link up play and an excellent goal from outside the box to bring us level.

Haz, a tireless performance up and down the flank in each half, creating several chances either for himself or his teammates. Some excellent corners, and especially crosses with great teamwork which deserved more reward for the effort. Still got his goal through an excellent run, carrying the ball down the wing and finishing well.

Oli played some lovely football with great awareness of others in and around the box. Oli is getting better at this and if we were not playing on the Somme would have had more joy. Absolutely should have had a goal to his name and an excellent finish was cancelled by a ridiculous off side call.

Joe played three totally different positions today and did very well in defence making some excellent tackles and then setting up play. When up front had two very good chances and just did not quite get it out of his feet, otherwise we could have been looking at a different scoreline.

Frankie first half we thought was excellent. His holding up of the ball, playing people in and being the first line of defence was good again. Second half had two glorious chances and on another day would have had two goals to his name and we would have been talking about a different CPotM.

Tate PPotM kicking was excellent today, both from his hands and on the ground, which is getting better. Made three or four saves to keep the score at 2-0 in the first 15 minutes. Then having not been called into action for almost 40 minutes made a stunning save following a break at 2-2. That is what good keepers do! We thought that was the moment we had won the tie but not to be.

Elijah CPotM for two reasons, firstly did not let his head go down when he realised he would not be starting. Secondly did exactly what we asked him to do by impacting the play when he came on and got the opponents turning back to their goal with some excellent wing play. Was fundamental to the team drawing level and his performance deserved a goal, hitting a great effort against the post.