A brave performance see's us through.
On a good day for football on a lovely playing surface. we pulled out a very good display to beat a classy Forest Hall side, who are a lovely passing football side a credit to their coach's. There was nothing to choose between the sides, in an end to end game. We were missing Sam, busy wigwamming, while Dylan wasn't feeling 100% and Dane took a bad knock early on. So to battle our way through was very pleasing and much credit to the boys, passing and support play was excellent at times.
Tried Dylan in the middle at the start, but soon changed with Elliott going into the position, Forest Hall started the brighter side, with Aaron having to make a good save on two minutes, a minute later Joseph blocked an attempted shot. Soon after Dane had to come off as he got a bad knock, so this meant a change with Joseph going to the left, Dylan up front and Harry at the back.
Against the run of play we took the lead on 7 minutes, a short corner was worked, and Elliott passed across to Joseph who bravely got his foot and managed to find Josh in space, and he took his time and knocked the ball in off the far post, great finish Josh! This gave the boys confidence. A couple of minutes later Dylan was put through and the keeper had to save well. Joseph not long after then made a great run from deep in our own half beating a couple of players before putting a lovely ball through to Josh who shot and forced a corner. Soon after Dylan had a shout for penalty but the player was judged to have got the ball. Forest Hall were still a danger on the break, but James & Harry backed up by Aaron were very strong at the back. On 16 minutes Josh again was in space and made the keeper work with a good shot. Just before the end of half Aaron was called upon again to make a good save. Half time 1-0.
Forest Hall started the second half strongly, Aaron another good save, while a minute later the striker just hit his shot wide for them. We seemed to be sitting back and inviting pressure, so asked boys to push out a bit more. We gradually started to come more into the game, and some slick football meant Dylan had a shot but this just went wide. Soon after Dane came on for Dylan. On 27 minutes good work by Josh down the right, a good cross which Joseph got a foot to, but unfortunately it went straight to the keeper. Forest Hall kept having there moments, but defence and keeper were strong for us. On 32 mins Elliott again forced a save, while on 34 minutes we thought we had extended the lead, a super Elliott shot looked to have gone in and come back off the inside of goal, but ref was unsure and the game continued. Elliott again went close on 37 minutes.
Forest Hall looked to have equalised a minute later, when Aaron had made a good save and from the scramble the striker hit a good low shot heading for the bottom corner only for James to some how manage to get his leg on to it and deflect away for a corner. A few half chances followed, but Joseph, Elliott tracked back superbly to help the defence as Forest Hall pushed players forward. Final score 1-0.
It was a great advert for U9 football with the game played in excellent spirit, between two sides who like to get the ball down and play flowing football, good luck to Forest Hall in the Killingworth Winter League.
We battled well today, and played some great stuff so well done to all the boys. I thought it was a very good team performance, and so give the MOM to all the team, with Aaron getting the Forest Hall coach's decision.
Next round of the cup is next Sunday as we travel to Cramlington United Cougars!
Training Wednesday 5.45pm GPMS.
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