With the move upto 11-a-side and playing on the big pitch, the U11s knew this year, we'd be facing different challenges. The coaches were keen to point out that all we expected from the boys was that they had fun and did their best. And on Saturday they did exactly that... and came away with an excellent 3-1 win.
There was some worry before kick off as
Will turned up on crutches but one player's disappointment is another's opportunity and, playing wide left starting his first match for Cumnor,
Matt took his. We lined up with
Henry S in goal; a back four of
Joe, Toby, Josh, Ed;
Matt, Kyle, Rory and
Adam across the middle and
Ben and
Fyn up front. We were at it from the kick off, looking to control the play, hold positions and, most importantly of all, tackle. The recent training time spent on committing to the tackle and showing correct technique set the tone of our performance.
Adam launched our first attack forcing a good save from the keeper. More insightful play and excellent off the ball running saw
Ben play
Fyn in to score the season's opener. The flood gates would have opened with Cumnor getting chance after chance forcing save and goaline clearances by the plucky Swifts.
Rory and
Kyle were controlling the tempo and
Adam and
Matt were running themselves ragged down the wings. At the back,
Josh and
Toby stayed focussed and together. With
Ed and
Joe rattling into every challenge, the coaches were delighted with the first half. A fine performance was sealed when
Henry made a strong save to keep the lead and
Fyn scored a beautifully taken 2nd.
2-0.In the second-half we started ringing the changes getting
James E and
James S on. The Cumnor attacks were fast and fluid with
Ben going close and
James E hitting the bar with a dipping half volley. With the boys blowing a bit - and a few knocks picked up - the rotation policy was working well.
James E became increasingly more influential and played nicely of the solid midfield base behind him. With the game moving into the final quarter,
Adam broke free and sent a thunderous shot home from out wide to make the score
3-0. Job done, despite Chippy scoring a late consolation.
3-1.
Player of the Week: it could have been anyone because they all played brilliantly but in the end it came down to our new boys
Josh and
Kyle with
Kyle just getting the nod.
Remember: want that ball, win those tackles.
