NWC Typhoons U13s vs WCFC U13 Colts (12/09/21)

Colts started their 21-22 campaign with an away match at Battenhall Park against a Typhoons team that were bettered in Pool B last season only by their stablemates, Nunnery Wood Hornets. Colts lined up as a straight 4-4-2 with debutant Wharton in goal, Glazzard, Sivaharan, James and Beale at the back, Box, Coopey, Perks and Bousfield across the middle and Elton and second debutant Parker in attack. Davies completed the squad from the bench. Starting their first competitive 11-a-side game on a bright afternoon with a depleted squad, Colts were more than a match for their opponents in the opening exchanges. However with both teams employing a back 4 on a small pitch, neither side could fashion any clear-cut chances. Typhoons back four and goalkeeper snuffed out any City pressure, and the City back line themselves were rarely called on to repel the home teams’ advances. Half time came and went with the score at 0-0, and manager Coopey changed formation to a 3-5-2, replacing Coopey Jnr with Davies at the break. The change in formation opened the game up almost immediately. With Typhoons offering little up front, the additional man in midfield made the difference with Colts starting to create chances with almost every attack. Perks and Box were particularly effective in midfield, both showing combative signs that bode well for the rest of the season. The most promising move of the match saw Box, Davies and Parker combine, but the keeper managed to save with his feet to deny Fin a goal on his debut. This proved to be a decisive moment as Typhoons launched a long-ball counter attack, the striker finding freedom in behind the back 3 to slot home for 1-0. Colts continued to probe, and the re-introduction of a rejuvenated Coopey produced further attacking intent. They were hit by a sucker punch however, when another long ball was allowed to bounce in the centre circle, the ball again poked through to the Typhoons striker to open up a one-on-one from which he gave Wharton no chance. 2-0, and the lads could well feel aggrieved by the scoreline. Colts then threatened to disintegrate with some clumsy challenges and loss of general shape – only briefly however. Coopey conjured up the moment of the match, lifting over the home Goalkeeper from the corner of the area with stunning precision to reduce the arrears. 2-1 with 8 minutes to go and Colts continued to press for an equaliser. Unfortunately for all their endeavour they were unable to restore parity, a last kick-of-the-match cross-shot being well held by the keeper.
Colts could feel a little hard-done-by with the result with 2 breakaway goals seeing them undone, however the fighting spirit was encouraging, especially considering the threadbare squad available.

Managers man-of-the-match: Dylan Sivaharan – held the defence together and barely gave the opponents a sniff despite the 2 goals conceded.
Players man-of-the-match: Reggie Perks – tireless display from Reggie in central midfield showed battle and grit that he has developed over the summer.