20 Nov 2016 - Match report
The Stingrays would entertain a well organised outfit in Tollesbury Juniors this weekend. A team that we have played before, losing a good lead from lapses in concentration and causing frustration between players, managers and supporters. The weather today was cold, windy and very wet, so it would be another stern test for the boys.
You could sense from the pre-match warm up that the boys were up for it today. With George W and Freddie missing from the team, they were extra keen to get a good result for their absent friends.
Captain for the game, Zach L rallied the boys together as they took to their positions and they looked good from the off. On occasions some of the passing was a joy to watch and the dynamic duo of George D and Oliver R would prove to be strong throughout. A great partnership being fostered, with a no-nonsense attitude, clearing danger on every occasion. Midfield looked strong as well today, with Jasiu on the right, Ollie W in the middle and Zach L on the left. The boys today tracked back better than ever and with James W in goal (like a cat - sorry Mum, he came home really dirty today), they swept up any threat with ease.
Ryan E up front was beavering away, snapping at the ankles and picking up some loose balls. On came Christian as a sub and it was his good work around the centre spot which saw the deadlock broken. With a cool drag back and then an accurate pass to Zach L, he took the ball well in his stride, with one touch to position himself, (and with some shouts from Gavin of 'shoot'), Zach unleashed a tremendous shot which left the keeper just watching then ball end in the side of the net, without touching the ground. A great effort just before half time.
The usual rejuvenating powers of water and jaffas did the trick as the boys took to the field for the second half. The Juniors would not go down without a fight though and put in some good work themselves. The ball pinged around the box at times, with Jasiu making some excellent saves and not afraid to pounce on every loose ball. Very brave goalkeeping indeed, along with excellent distribution which helped our attack.
With gaps opening up for the Stingrays, they continued to push forward looking to close the game. An opportunity was taken by James with the ball moving around nicely from the half way line, splitting their defence and falling for James to hit with his weaker but yet improving right foot. A well positioned shot, just too far for the goalie to reach.
So came the critical part of the game, where the boys were previously undone by the Juniors, but they stayed strong, Jasiu was great in goals, defending was on point and the tracking back was excellent. Some neat interchanges brought the crowd to their feet at times and it turned out to be a breeze in the end as the boys listened to the final whistle being blown. A well deserved win from the boys and a performance which has been threatening for weeks. If we can continue to keep our shape like this, for the whole game then they will continue to develop into a wonderful team. WELL DONE STINGRAYS. Extremely proud of all the boys. MOTM to Jasiu for his first half efforts, tracking back better than ever and his excellent display in goals. Also, well done to Steve R for a fantastic refereeing display.
Next game TBA.
You could sense from the pre-match warm up that the boys were up for it today. With George W and Freddie missing from the team, they were extra keen to get a good result for their absent friends.
Captain for the game, Zach L rallied the boys together as they took to their positions and they looked good from the off. On occasions some of the passing was a joy to watch and the dynamic duo of George D and Oliver R would prove to be strong throughout. A great partnership being fostered, with a no-nonsense attitude, clearing danger on every occasion. Midfield looked strong as well today, with Jasiu on the right, Ollie W in the middle and Zach L on the left. The boys today tracked back better than ever and with James W in goal (like a cat - sorry Mum, he came home really dirty today), they swept up any threat with ease.
Ryan E up front was beavering away, snapping at the ankles and picking up some loose balls. On came Christian as a sub and it was his good work around the centre spot which saw the deadlock broken. With a cool drag back and then an accurate pass to Zach L, he took the ball well in his stride, with one touch to position himself, (and with some shouts from Gavin of 'shoot'), Zach unleashed a tremendous shot which left the keeper just watching then ball end in the side of the net, without touching the ground. A great effort just before half time.
The usual rejuvenating powers of water and jaffas did the trick as the boys took to the field for the second half. The Juniors would not go down without a fight though and put in some good work themselves. The ball pinged around the box at times, with Jasiu making some excellent saves and not afraid to pounce on every loose ball. Very brave goalkeeping indeed, along with excellent distribution which helped our attack.
With gaps opening up for the Stingrays, they continued to push forward looking to close the game. An opportunity was taken by James with the ball moving around nicely from the half way line, splitting their defence and falling for James to hit with his weaker but yet improving right foot. A well positioned shot, just too far for the goalie to reach.
So came the critical part of the game, where the boys were previously undone by the Juniors, but they stayed strong, Jasiu was great in goals, defending was on point and the tracking back was excellent. Some neat interchanges brought the crowd to their feet at times and it turned out to be a breeze in the end as the boys listened to the final whistle being blown. A well deserved win from the boys and a performance which has been threatening for weeks. If we can continue to keep our shape like this, for the whole game then they will continue to develop into a wonderful team. WELL DONE STINGRAYS. Extremely proud of all the boys. MOTM to Jasiu for his first half efforts, tracking back better than ever and his excellent display in goals. Also, well done to Steve R for a fantastic refereeing display.
Next game TBA.