Today, we weren't just Vikings, we were also Spartans. Outnumbered with only 5 players, no time for a rest and yet an awesome display by these giants - Henry, Cullen, Joshua, Maksim and Angus......
After the last 2 weeks of conceeding early, the team really focused and played the ball around well, defending resolutely and putting pressure on the home team. For the first time, I wasnt holding my hands on my head wondering 'what if'. Playing a 3-1 formation, with Henry in goal, Cullen as Centre Half, Angus on the left, Josh on the right with Maksim roaming in the middle, really gave us a sound base. We controlled the game well, solid tackling from Angus, Josh & Cullen was awesome and enabled Henry to be a spectator. Where there were threats, these were extinguished as easily as a candle. Henry used his great passing to start many attacks from the back whilst also making a smart bottom hand corner save, which would have been a goal against the run of play.
Breaking away, The Vikings drew a foul on the edge of the area. Cullen, quickly changing into Ronaldo, and only went a drilled one into the top corner - awesome (and he celebrated with a full ronaldo rathet than a half ronaldo as in training ...).
Leading and in control, the team went about trying to add another. Joshua and Angus, making some great tackles and pushing their players out of play when needed. Such good defending was a joy to watch and showed great focus. Although in control of the game, we didn't add another before half time and Burnham, put one into the Top Corner, in off the post - no goalie had a chance for that one. We could have scored another, but a block on the line stopped Cullen adding a second.
Leading and in control, the team went about trying to add another. Joshua and Angus, making some great tackles and pushing their players out of play when needed. Such good defending was a joy to watch and showed great focus. Although in control of the game, we didn't add another before half time and Burnham, put one into the Top Corner, in off the post - no goalie had a chance for that one. We could have scored another, but a block on the line stopped Cullen adding a second.
Coming out for second half, Henry swapped with Joshua in goal. Henry made some great space and always available for the pass. His understanding of space is great and will help us in games ahead. Henry, linking up well with the engines of Angus & Cullen, saw us take the lead from a strong corner. Cullen smashing a drive in only for a Burnham player to hook it into their own net. At this stage, Vikings were controlling the game comfortably, but the heat and no subs started to hurt us. First Angus and then Maksim took some strong tackles and Maksim also bravely shook off one the face. Fatigue showing saw us lose a goal. We regrouped and Maksim, made some great runs, and I think I counted three, 1 on 1's with the goalie where he was so close to giving us the lead again. However, fair play to their goalie who was out quickly to save. Angus was battling up and down, alongside Cullen and Henry. If they were an engine, all three would be on 6000 revs and likely to blow !
Sadly, despite Joshua making some strong saves, smothering the ball and pucnhing from a corner, the lack of subs hurt us, especialluy as Burnham had about 3 subs. Their Manager and parents said that had we had subs, then ............We lost 2 goals in last 3 minutes and although we lost the game, we won as a team. Really sets us up well with the derby next week against Barricudas.
Sadly, despite Joshua making some strong saves, smothering the ball and pucnhing from a corner, the lack of subs hurt us, especialluy as Burnham had about 3 subs. Their Manager and parents said that had we had subs, then ............We lost 2 goals in last 3 minutes and although we lost the game, we won as a team. Really sets us up well with the derby next week against Barricudas.
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