The Barracudas first away trip of the season saw them up against opponents that they had not previously met in Sporting 77 Kestrels who are based in Braintree.
The Barracudas made a storming start to the match, with some excellent passing and movement along with rock solid defending when required. After a few near misses and good saves by the opposing keeper, captain Jack fired the team into the lead with a fine long range effort. Soon after, Jack repeated the trick with another strike from distance that was too good for the keeper.
Jack then contributed with an assist for Zak, who had made an intelligent run to the near post and controlled the pass, then slotted calmly under the keeper. Jack’s well deserved first half hat-trick was completed shortly after with a lovely strike into the roof of the net which was celebrated with a roar of delight - he really enjoyed that one!
To round off an excellent first half performance, Tyler collected a pass from Jack, made a nice run, and slid in to finish the chance himself. It was a dominant first half performance from the Barracudas, the team showing good shape, nice passing and ruthless finishing.
It was always going to be difficult to repeat that high level of performance in the second half and while the Barracudas still performed well, our opponents upped their game and the match became far more even. Sporting 77 were next to score early in the second half, which appeared to give them a real confidence boost.
However, the Barracudas restored their cushion when Josh side-stepped two challenges before finishing low into the bottom corner. Our opponents weren’t deterred though and continued to battle hard and scored an excellent goal to pull one back, rifling one into the top corner giving goalkeeper Charlie no chance. Sporting 77 then added another late on to complete the day’s scoring.
There were a few candidates for the Man of the Match trophy in this match. Louie played particularly well, including going on a ‘Gazza’ type run, beating at least four players and was unlucky not to score at the end of it. Oliver, in defence, was rock solid, not allowing anyone to get past him and Zak showed some lovely touches with the ball at his feet, showing some real confidence. However, it was Jack that was deservedly awarded the Man of the Match trophy for his first half hat-trick and excellent work rate throughout – a proper captain’s performance.
It was an entertaining match with lots of goals – plenty of positives with goals being shared around and some good passing and teamwork. Well done to all!
Jack then contributed with an assist for Zak, who had made an intelligent run to the near post and controlled the pass, then slotted calmly under the keeper. Jack’s well deserved first half hat-trick was completed shortly after with a lovely strike into the roof of the net which was celebrated with a roar of delight - he really enjoyed that one!
To round off an excellent first half performance, Tyler collected a pass from Jack, made a nice run, and slid in to finish the chance himself. It was a dominant first half performance from the Barracudas, the team showing good shape, nice passing and ruthless finishing.
It was always going to be difficult to repeat that high level of performance in the second half and while the Barracudas still performed well, our opponents upped their game and the match became far more even. Sporting 77 were next to score early in the second half, which appeared to give them a real confidence boost.
However, the Barracudas restored their cushion when Josh side-stepped two challenges before finishing low into the bottom corner. Our opponents weren’t deterred though and continued to battle hard and scored an excellent goal to pull one back, rifling one into the top corner giving goalkeeper Charlie no chance. Sporting 77 then added another late on to complete the day’s scoring.
There were a few candidates for the Man of the Match trophy in this match. Louie played particularly well, including going on a ‘Gazza’ type run, beating at least four players and was unlucky not to score at the end of it. Oliver, in defence, was rock solid, not allowing anyone to get past him and Zak showed some lovely touches with the ball at his feet, showing some real confidence. However, it was Jack that was deservedly awarded the Man of the Match trophy for his first half hat-trick and excellent work rate throughout – a proper captain’s performance.
It was an entertaining match with lots of goals – plenty of positives with goals being shared around and some good passing and teamwork. Well done to all!