DUFC Vikings vs DUFC Barricudas

Sunday 15th October will be remembered for our first 'Derby Day' despite the U7 & U8 League being in meltdown over re-alignment of teams. Ross & I , were both more than happy to get the game on. 

​Barricudas having all 10 available, turned up expectant after being rightly unbeaten this year. We had 7 this week and welcomed Joseph to his first match after joining us mid season. I imagine he was up at dawn in his kit !

Barricudas quickly gained advantage, despite playing up the slope, opening up a 2-0 lead, with some great dribbling and passing which put us on the back foot early. 

After last weeks excellent defending and team play, we werent as composed or structured, which was disappointing. This may have been due to the better opposition, or may have been due to the fact that we are still early doors into our first season. The team did listen though and started to think more about their play.

​We did hit back, with Maksim cooly tucking away a lovely controlled finish, and as always that lovely smile on scoring was there ! This gave us some self belief and started a better spell of play. Josh in goal was brave and smothering many shots aswell as pushing away corners, gave us confidence in the back. Angus started well but did succumb to a rib injury that he has had mid week and couldn't find the awesome man to man defending he displayed last week. Henry looked composed whenever he had the ball and what I loved was the fact he was always calling for the short ball and linking up with others.

Maksim was constantly looking for the ball down the middle, although despite some challenge in the middle, didnt go our way first half. Cullen was always in the thick of it , with strong tackling complimenting his dribbling game. Joseph slotted in naturally and was quick to the tackle, closing down and trying to break free. Jess still suffering from her illness that caused her to miss training, was in the thick of it in the middle of the park, and like a professional kept going despite the energy levels being impacted.

Going in behind, words were spoken about the defending and positioning. Maksim swapped with Josh for his first spell in goal for us. Unfortunately and despite some heroic goalkeeping from him, we soon conceded further with their better technique and passing, quickly gaining a further 4 goals. Some were our own fault although you cant take anything away from Barricudas , especially on one lovely volley from a right wing cross. Hugo Loris wouldn't have saved that one ! 

Our perserverance paid off, initially Jess getting through on goal 1 on 1, although missed that final connection, that would have resulted in a goal. Josh and Henry were always an outlet out wide for Maksim from the goal kicks and this helped as some good passes from these two, enabled Angus to follow up an earlier effort and smash it into the bottom corner from close range to reduce their lead. Sadly they then rattled off another 2 to finish us off. 

It was great to play against our friends, the barricudas and to be honest, they are a better side with that year ahead of us and better developed team skills/organisation. However, they are a benchmark for us and playing this will have helped the team and myself refocus on the basics we need to get right to deservedly play competatively at the top end of this division and maybe the next.

The team will forget this one quickly as they are young and just love playing but I wont, it will help drive my focus on with the team as their attitudes are brilliant and the support of the parents outstanding. Well done Barricudas and Vikings #weareunited.