We were so competitive for the first two quarters, as well as for half of the third, but we reverted back to playing in front of our goal that just invited pressure and ultimately led to some cheap goals from Saughall.
Q1 - starting off with our team raring to go after some good warm-up activity, the boys really took the game to Saughall - great to see as this initial spell has been a problem for us in the past. They did have some good efforts on goal, but all prompting some really good goalkeeper work by Oscar. Unfortunately the first goal against us was one of those that was initially saved but you see it in what seems like slow motion bobbling over the line. We didn't let it effect is though and after some great build up play resulting in substantial pressure by us, Sion managed to get an equaliser. This was followed by some great efforts by Jack Broadhurst and Sam Curtis, but with seconds to go in the first quarter we saw Saughall take a good touch and cross to one of their players on the far post to make the end of the quarter Arrows 1 - Saughall 2.
Q2 - we saw in Saughall what they did against us in the first game four weeks back; their right defender/wing back was pumping balls long from literally deep by their goal line to their striker/advanced midfielder that kept putting us under pressure - the difference this time is that in the last match he did it in Q4, in this match, because we were so much more competitive they actually started to do it towards the end of the first quarter, but certainly more in this one and in the next. One of these efforts saw another of their players latch onto one and put it beyond Sam Curtis who did a fantastic job in goal (his first outing in this quarter (and the next) as GK for the Arrows this season). We kept at it though - the pressure that all of our players put on Saughall was immense - we fought for every single ball and our link up play was fantastic - it really is coming together; this period of play forced Saughall to score an own goal so we went in at half time Arrows 2 - Saughall 3.
Q3 - after a few changes in this quarter we continued to pick up from where we had left off, and again it was a great battle between the teams, we played really well together - the best example of this was Sion at one point ran a long distance down the right wing and powered a shot towards goal which their goalie just tipped away with his fingertips; a great effort. Saughall at one point just clicked though and some great passing across and through the field resulted in a great goal being scored by them which took the wind out our sails to an extent, but believe me it was an excellent section of play by Saughall that ultimately deserved the goal. End of the quarter Arrows 2 - Saughall 4.
Q4 - we went again in the final quarter, the boys seemed to be up for it, the weather just went hard again with a brief couple of minutes downpour that soaked everyone (not an excuse this time though I think, although obviously it made everyone very wet and cold quickly!). Not long after this we started to lose our focus somewhat and this just invited Saughall to attack and become more dominant in this period and as a part of this, with a great break of play, one of their boys scored a great long range effort. We did try to battle, but we reverted back to doing something from the last time we played Saughall (and Princes Villa before that); we started to clump together right in front of our goal, which was literally a gift to Saughall; we tried at times to push forward, but ultimately the pressure succumbed with us conceding an own goal a few minutes from time. End of the quarter and match result, Arrows 2 - Saughall 6.
Overall, a great all round performance by the boys with some more questions and puzzles to be addressed by me for the games ahead (always!). I am so sure we are close to another positive result though!
Weekly Awards (see previous post for context):
Team Captain v. Saughall: Jack Broadhurst (awarded for his efforts against Upton two weeks ago, and to kick things off)
Man of the Match v Saughall: Sion Lucas
This means that Sion, subject to him being available will have an automatic place in next weeks squad against Upton. He will also be Team Captain. Well done Sion - immense effort today, great goal and you were unlucky not to bag a few more! The award was close though as one or two others were very hot on his heels - next time for them!
As mentioned, next match should be against Upton at their ground - I will confirm ASAP.
Thanks all for your continued and incredible support.
Carl
AFC Waverton U8 Arrows
07896 515717
