Brierley Cubs U12 3 vs 7 Bawtry Juniors Football Cl

Brierley Cubs (A) 3-7

We made the trip to Brierley Park on looking to build on the positives from the previous week's 13-0 performance, and the team delivered an excellent all-round display to come away with a deserved 7-3 victory. Against a back drop of intimidation, late tackles and a couple of lashes out from the opponents. Despite this our team were exemplary and conducted themselves as we have all come to expect with great dignity and respect. ??

We started brightly and looked confident from the first whistle, moving the ball well and creating chances. Our early pressure paid off when Michael Poole opened the scoring, giving us the perfect start. ????

Unfortunately, a lapse in concentration at the back allowed the hosts to level shortly afterwards, with a very good lob finish, but the response from the team was exactly what we wanted to see. ??

Rather than letting the setback affect them, the team continued to play positive football and showed great determination both in and out of possession. Harry Richardson had two good opportunities to restore our lead before adding a second, with a calm finish and not letting the previous saves put him off. ????

The work rate and energy throughout the team allowed us to control large periods of the game. The midfield worked tirelessly all morning, winning tackles, supporting attacks and helping the defence whenever needed. At the back, Lewis Goring, and James Mullen (both who were excellent again) were supported by Ivy-Tose Topps who played the inverted full back position superbly. I commented afterwards it was my favourite performance from her. They all dealt well with the pressure that came their way, while Joe Harris made some important saves and showed real confidence in goal.

One of the highlights of the match came just before half-time when Joseph Wilson scored a superb direct free-kick in the postage stamp to extend our advantage. It was a fantastic strike and gave the team a deserved cushion heading into the break. ????

The second half followed a similar pattern, with Bawtry continuing to create chances while remaining organised defensively. Joseph added another brilliant ?? free-kick and the team continued to show composure and quality on the ball. The substitutes also made a real impact, bringing fresh energy and maintaining the high standards that had been set from the start.

The opposition managed to pull a couple of goals back late on, with another quality strike, but the team never looked rattled.

Instead, they responded positively, continuing to play their football and creating further chances. A well-worked team move, which we had practiced in training the day before, led to Oliver, Seth combining on the edge of the box before playing Mikey in on the overlap who played a super pass across the goal which was finished off perfectly by Q at the back stick. Another well worked team goal involving Jacob (who was tenacious throughout), Frankie, Oliver and Q before Joseph completed an excellent individual performance with his third of the game. ??

What pleased the coaching team most was the positive attitude shown throughout the match. Everyone contributed, the players worked hard for each other, and there was a real sense of togetherness both on and off the ball. The scoreline reflected a strong team performance rather than the efforts of any one individual. Although Joseph Wilson put in a superb all-round display, capped off with a hat-trick including two outstanding free-kicks, while also contributing across the pitch with his energy, creativity and work rate.

Thank you again to all the parents and supporters for your fantastic encouragement throughout the game. It was great to see the team rewarded for their hard work with an excellent away performance and three well-deserved points.

PPotM: Q ?? CPotM: Oliver Pressley ??

Goals: Mikey ?? Harry ???? Joseph ?????? Q ??

Assists Joseph ?????? Mikey ?? Q ??