MATCH REPORTS - SAT 19 NOVEMBER

BEES 1 - 8 UPTON YOUTH

BEES 1 - 8 PRINCES VILLA

Both teams came up against strong opponents this weekend...with exactly the same results!

MATCH 1

This saw Oliver, Christopher, Eric, George, Guy, Raphael, Frankie and Freddie take on a strong Upton team. 

Losing 8-1 really hid the story that the team's performance improved through every quarter of the game, as the lads began to get familiar with each other. 

A great effort from all the team, with highlights coming from Frankie's firm tackling, Eric's goal from distance, some great passing and link up play between Freddie and Rafael then George and Christopher. With close efforts following the goal from many of the team. When the lads used the space they really opened up the Upton defence. Oliver and Guy showed great all round ability with time in nets and outfield, both making great reaction saves. 

A chilly morning and a tough result but the lads really worked hard throughout. 

It's great that we now have the chance to field 2 Bee's teams that we can have players getting more match time with consistency in their team mates,  this should really help them develop their performances.

Thanks to the parents for all the support.

MATCH 2

Ben, Oliver, Henry, Thomas, Isaac, George and Samuel were really up against it this morning against the best Ellesmere Port's Princes Villa had to offer!

Our planning was slightly disrupted by some boys coming off their sick beds (thanks Samuel), injuries during the night to Yazan, our goalie being a no-show and George limping off after 10 minutes of his debut!

But after 5 minutes our boys were on top and were threatening the Villa goal. Our initial play was fast and dangerous and I think we shocked Princes Villa into action!

Princes Villa have a couple of talented players and were pretty robust in the tackle but in the main the lads competed hard and we never gave up. We conceded 7 of the goals in two quarters, when Villa fielded their strongest players. In the other two quarters the scores were 0-2 and 0-0 so we had good moments which we can build on.

Some of the goals came from errors that we can eradicate over time in training. Particularly turning away from or clearing the danger zone in front of our goal.

Highlights were a combative 10 minute debut from George, Ben's tackling and intent, Oliver's solid clearances and two great displays in goal from Isaac and Oliver. Henry almost got that goal!

MOTM goes to Ben who grabbed a nice goal and is definitely going in harder and winning more ball.

Thanks for great support from the lines.