A long road to victory for City U11s

WCFC U11s made the long journey to Stoke RTC looking to right a few wrongs from the previous week. Preparations were hampered on the day as neither the pitch nor the goals were FA minimum sizes, but the boys responded with a dominant display.

Individual errors leading to goals have proven costly so far this season and the game didn’t start well with another error allowing the opposition to take the lead. However WCFC responded well and a quick throw in and good finish from Tom put WCFC level after the first period.

It’s fair to say WCFC were lacking composure and finesse on the ball in the first period, however the introduction of the influential Caleb made a telling difference in the second quarter. He created chances and made the midfield tick and it wasn’t long before the pressure told and Tom bagged his second following a typically battling goal. WCFC were on top and were unable to convert some glorious chances, albeit they were faced by a fantastic keeper who kept Stoke in the game.

Into the third and WCFC continued to grow into the game, and a series of dominant breaks from the rejuvenated Dylan carved Stoke apart down our right. Still the impressive opposition keeper were keeping WCFC at bay. It was only a matter of time until WCFC extended their lead and it came following a blatant penalty not given, but Austin was on hand to lash it home. WCFC looked assured at the back and, with the midfield winning their battles, WCFC scored again with Caleb rasping a drive goal bound only to be denied again by their keeper (he was really very very good), but the attacking instincts of Dylan meant he was in the right place at the right time to slot home.

WCFCs game management has cost results in the past and it is something the boys will need to be wary of going forward. Things became a little uncomfortable when Stoke pulled one back and applied the pressure as the game wore on. WCFC were still throwing bodies forward on the counter which against higher quality opposition could cost them. That said the win was secured and for the first time in a long time there was no new injuries!

GOLD
His introduction in the second quarter changed the game, the way we were playing and our all round performance was significantly improved as a result. Excellent performance Caleb, especially so given fitness concerns before the game.

SILVER
Dylan really is rejuvenated and his quality really shone through. He was tenacious in attack, played some lovely football and was a nuisance for the opposition.

BRONZE
Isaac was defensively solid, snuffed out many an attack and always defended on the front foot. His best performance of the season so far!