The disappointment from Upton two weeks ago was replaced by some really impressive play against a robust Blacon team that took no prisoners. We were playing 7v7 which really does suit our play - we seem to always be so much more at ease on the ball when we play this number of boys. Our training from what was a rain/sleet lashed Friday really paid off and every single boy took it onto the match-day pitch.
We started off uncharacteristically strong, giving Blacon absolutely no time on the ball and we were competitive throughout. A very early injury to Oliver Barnes meant that Henry came on to cover in the midfield and I have to say that in this position Henry is going from strength to strength. Blacon had very little of the ball and we came very close with an Oliver Wrigley strike. End of Q1 - Blacon 0 Arrows 0.
Q2 started as we had left off - the pressure was outstanding - we continued to battle and during one of these skirmishes the ball was won by Jack Broadhurst (Br) and he made a great pass to Harry which gave him room to run at goal. He put his foot through the ball and scored his first goal for the Arrows - well done Harry! The game was end to end now and a few good efforts by Blacon saw them go ahead for the first time; one of these I was particularly disappointed with as we had Elliott injured and off the pitch with the game not paused when it should of been but the opposition coach, acting as ref, allowed it. End of Q2 - Blacon 2 Arrows 1.
The halftime team talk started well, but then took a surprising turn - a couple of the boys said that they didn't want to play in the positions that I had allocated to them and instead wanted to play elsewhere or wanted to sit out Q3 completely - this I must admit didn't go down too well with me so I changed my plans and revised the team with those that did want to play and we started Q3. Again this was end to end, real battles everywhere and we were very unlucky to concede a third midway though the quarter. We stayed in it though which was a real testament to the boys as in previous matches we would of let this effect us massively. End of Q3 - Blacon 3 Arrows 1.
Q4, with me having refocused all the boys somewhat (!) really started to be dominant now and really stamped ourselves on the game. Oliver Wrigley followed up on both his fantastic goal in our friendly last week and also the warnings he was giving Blacon up to that point by scoring a great goal - Oliver kept his positioning throughout the match and the goal was just rewards for his efforts today. From the kick off, we again applied immediate pressure to Blacon and we were passing well, and winning tackles when needed which resulted in the ball breaking for Xander who was making his return to the squad today, as well as playing in a new role; he controlled it and put it away beautifully to bring us level.
We were now at 3-3 and I must admit the tension started to kick in a bit! The boys continuously kept their shape overall and this was a key driver to us playing so well today, it was only really in Q3 that we lost it at times. We pushed on and on and brilliantly went ahead when Jack Br took the ball from midfield, through some players and blasted it into the net.
I honestly thought we were going to win and we should of to be honest, but after a very hard tackle to Jack Binns (Bi) meant that I had to make a sub. As happened in Q2, the ref didn't allow the game to be stopped and as I was swapping the boys, bringing Elliott on, Blacon launched a very long ball to one of their boys and they placed it past Tom who had a great day in goal this morning, and equalised. Time was well and truly over now but the game still went on - we were reluctantly awarded a free kick close to the Blacon box and Xander took it - a great strike, looping over the wall and certain for goal, that is until a Blacon outfield player batted it down before it even reached their goalie - a clear handball and what should of been another free kick. But Blacon, clearly sensing what was going to happen blew the whistle and the game was over. Final score - Blacon 4 Arrows 4.
The coach said to me afterwards that he intentionally played more time so that they could try to score again and win it! Disappointing to hear, but I'm turning that on its head and really taking it as how well we played and what a great attacking threat we were. The Captain today was Sam Curtis and the Man of the Match was Oliver Wrigley who played fantastically today. Oli will be my Captain for our next game which should hopefully be the elusive Newton.
A few last mentions - as called out earlier - Henry was great and is really growing into his midfield role. Elliott played his socks off in what is 100% his best performance to date, one which, if available, means he has secured his position next week. Harry was exceptional too, with some great tackling and good positive forward movement (as well as his goal). Tom followed on from his impressive debut in goal last week with another solid display today. Well done all - if I haven't called your son out its not that they aren't deserving, everyone played very very well today - its just that I've realised I have written war and peace (again!).
Look out for the email coming soon (hopefully tomorrow) re next weekends match and availability. Looking forward to it already :-).
Have a great weekend.
Carl
AFC Waverton U8 Arrows
07896 515717
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