We travelled to Rayne Youth this week which was a great chance to see how we are developing after losing to them earlier this year. And haven't we developed .....
We had 9 of the Vikings availabe today, utilising the opportunity to have 2 teams of 4 onfield players with Josh between the sticks. Angus, Henry William and Maksim started off for us and were straight into the game focused and lookign for opportunities. This was key as the first half was a great half of football from both teams.
The game was end to end with breaks by William, Angus and Henry and some great passing amongst the team. Maksim was looking for opportunities to cash in , supportin the runs and all were playing with calm heads. I liked the compsoure on the ball and the tackling from Angus and Henry was great, some last man covers within these. Despite some opportunities, including a coiple of breaks from William, we couldnt find the net. Rayne nearly scored after a free kick was awarded edge of the box. I thought it was a sure goal, going top bins but Josh got across and made a wonderful save to keep it goalless before William planted a scorcher into their top bin that was truly unstoppable.
Joseph, Cullen, Jessica and Bastien swapped over half way through the half. Shortly after, Cullen was at his best, running down their attacker and making a great tackle to stop a 1 on 1 opportunities before making a great run nearly getting a shotting chance. Bastien and Joseph were immense in getting back also, smothering their attacking chances and was great to see. Despite this they levelled shortly before the break. To be fair they deserved this after some pressure.
We nearly went back in the lead after a lovely dribble from Bastien. As he was about to shoot he was upended and we got the penalty. he buried it toop corner but was asked to retake. Unfortunatly this retake went wide.
After half time, just as we were to start, Maksim and Bastien clashed heads. Both Vikings they wanted to start the second half but we made a swap and brought them on later to be sure they were OK. We carried on where we left off, some great tackling but just as important expansive passing and pressing in numbers. Henry always showing great composure on the ball and always looking for passing options, which I love. Jess got worked the ball on the edge of teh area before making a wonderful inside cut (just like we trained at) which opened the goal up and she planted it superbly into the bottom corner. Wonderful stuff. From this we didnt look back. Joseph got a deserved goal after Josh made a risky but great pass through the middle. Joseph controlled it and calmly slotted home. Angus then added another for Vikings, from a long range free kick into bottom corner - funnily enough in training he had been smashing in some lovely goals.
Bastien was adding to his strong defensive display with more dribbles and his movement was mesmerising. Cullen was commanding at the back, and linking in with the midfield. William added a further goal with an individual touch of skill and class before Maksim nipped in and finished a goal bound effort from William (who had taken in off of Bastien) - All 3 can claim an assist. The result was well deserved and the Vikings demonstrated how they have grown and developed. Well done team, awesome.
Funnily enough after the game, teh team decided to work out on the outdoor gym - energy to burn !
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