Outstanding U10s

First game of the competitive Cup and the task was going to be as hard as it gets. Our opposition Cradley had lost only one game in 32, and that was against Halesowen. Not to mention our last encounter with them only a couple of months ago resulted in a double figures to nil scoreline! We were going to have to be at our very best.

The first period started and we settled into a good rhythm, worked hard off the ball, were compact and looked to break quickly. The back three (including Austin the keeper) were calm and assured on the ball and set the tone for possession, whilst the midfield trio and Tom were tenacious off the ball. Cradley couldn’t settle into any rhythm and we looked really dangerous on the counter attack. The breakthrough came following some quick thinking by Evan Kelly, spotting the ‘yo-yo’ movement of the impressive Liam. He picked up the ball in a little bit of space, got the ball out of his feet taking it over the half way line and unleashed a rocket from fully 25 yards in to the stanchion of the goal. Their coach summer it up beautifully when he said “the best goal he’s seen at the venue all season”.

Emboldened by the wonder strike the boys grew in confidence and were unlucky not to extend the lead when Ev K rattled the bar from outside the area. Cradley were still dangerous and it took a mammoth defensive effort from all, including smart saves from Austin to keep it all square.

The first third was the best we had been out of possession all season. Changes were made at the interval but it was more of the same commitment and effort and good counter attacks. But we were up against it and Cradley were winning corner after corner. It was only a matter of time before the pressure told and their excellent striker rose well from a corner to make it all square.

We were finding it hard to get up the pitch, but when we did we looked dangerous. The industrious Ben thread a ball through the eye of a needle and Ryan raced through to win a corner. However Cradley play some excellent one touch passes and , following a few 1-2s, they took the lead towards the end of the second period and we would have to do what we’ve done so many times this season and win the final third.

The commitment, and game management were the best of the season. Both Ian and I marvelled at one point were three of our players all talked to the man on the ball, all through instinct and awareness of the game situation. We were making the right decisions across the pitch, picking the right passes and winning our battles. We equalised through a well taken throw in, putting Evan Kelly through on goal to finish coolly. We were on level terms and it was anyone’s game. Further saves from Austin, the wall doing their job from a free kick on the edge of our box and some half chances for us all came and went in a frenetic final few minutes. It finished all square and was a fantastic advert for JPL football.

The awards for the game were the hardest we have had to decide so far. If we could have given it to them all then we would have. There were special mentions to Ben, his usual high standards in the middle of the pitch, to Evan Kelly who was a threat in attack and defence, Isaac who was calm under pressure won his battles and distributed the ball well and Ryan who grew into the game.

GOLD

Even without the wonder strike Liam had an excellent game, sparking everything that was good about us today. The goal he scored was audacious and typified his all round excellent display.

SILVER

He never lost a single personal battle, was tricky on the ball and cut out many an attack. Jack deserved his silver medal.

BRONZE

On any other day Austin could have been a certain gold, he made some excellent saves and started many attack with his quick decision making skills and distribution.

The boys have set their own standard for 2020 and we can’t wait to see what the year has in store!