MATCH REPORT 2 - SATURDAY 7 JANUARY

WAVERTON BEES 4 - 0 ELLESMERE PORT JETS

Wow, what a difference between the final two quarters last week and our entire performance this morning! The boys were epic and we harried, hassled, pushed and pummelled a much bigger Ellesmere Port team into submission with an energetic display of "Full Throttle Football" that Jurgen Klopp would have enjoyed.

Following on from the highly entertaining 'Monsters' drill in training our little monsters hunted Ellesmere Port down like a pack of Wolves. We can't remember a single missed tackle and when one of the boys didn't put in a tackle we had another running round them to get there first! Even a few sliding tackles from those boys who got FIFA 17 for Christmas.

We again went for a shape of 1-3-1, packing the midfield and with Oliver our last man but allowing him to push into the space when we attack and take pot shots on sight (more to come on that!). It was really pleasing to see that when Oliver went forward either to shoot or for a set piece then our midfield of George, Isaac, Thomas, and Henry filled in the gaps. We honestly can't remember a point where an Ellesmere Port player got on the wrong side of us - so something has clicked (perhaps!).

The first quarter ended 0-0 and in the second quarter we applied a lot of pressure bringing a string of fine saves from the excellent EP goalkeeper. We finally scored when Samuel swept home a tidy finish with Henry following up to make sure. Both boys claimed the goal, as they should, so without goal line technology to hand we'll say they both scored.

The pattern of the game didn't change throughout. Our defence was too solid, our midfield was too energetic and our strikers were staying high up the pitch waiting for the inevitably breaks from our tackles. It was pretty much perfect.

At 1-0 Ben was brought down about 15 yards from goal and Coach Chris suggested Oliver have a crack. Oliver then hit a screamer into the top corner bringing applause from both sets of supporters. 

In the final quarter Ben scored to bottom left after applying high pressure on the goalie and then Henry tapped in a nice cross from Samuel to put deserved gloss on the 4-0 score-line.

ALL the boys had their best games so far this morning. Lads whose tackling has been light was much stronger. Boys who's energy or concentration has been hit or miss were 100%. So very well done to all of them - overall it was a great team performance which obviously the boys enjoyed.  

MOTM was shared between Oliver and Henry, and having thought since the game a special mention goes to George who covered every inch of the pitch and has made a big difference to us since coming back from injury.

Thanks to everyone for helping set-up and for encouraging the boys.