MATCH REPORT - SAT 13 JANUARY

BEES 2 - 4 PRINCES VILLA

A really upbeat and pleasing performance. If we were able to score the match on clear chances created and the standard of the goals we'd be celebrating tonight!

Each time we play Princes Villa we show we have improved and have got closer to them. This was something noticed by their coaches who said only us and Ellesmere Port give them a good game - so to be just a whisker away from this 'A' team, who have a massive catchment area, is all credit to the boys!

We went 0-1 down in the first quarter before Yazan poked home from a really good move. At 1-1 we conceded a really unlucky goal right at the end of the quarter as a shot deflected off a Samuel challenge to the bottom corner - nothing we can do about those ones. 1-2 after 10 minutes.

In the second quarter, as seems each time we play PV, the wheels came off for a few minutes as they went 4-1 up through a combination of misfortune and a few weird defensive decisions to throw backwards from throw-ins (thanks Robbie for that one in training!!) and square balls back to defenders who were 3 yards from our goal (nice idea, great football, and thanks again Robbie for teaching them that!!). Only joking!!! :-)

Chris and I share the blame (mostly me to be fair) for these 5 minutes as we went too attacking and didn't think enough about experienced cover at the back. I've obviously been watching too much Liverpool these last few weeks!

At 1-4 down and for the next two quarters the game was very even and we created more clear cut chances as Emlyn in particular was able to attack, shoot and play creatively in search of goals. George was everywhere as usual and overall our shape looked decent as the game went end-to-end with both teams playing good and committed football.

The boys scored a great second with Henry picking up the ball out wide and firing low from an acute angel to set up a grandstand finish at 2-4.  

MOTM went to Emlyn who throughout the game looked up, passed when he could or went on runs at the right time. Good decision making now backing up his talent.  


Princes Villa have invited us to a 4-team mini-tournament with Ellesmere Port and their other team so that will be something to look forward to and we can aim to get even closer to them and EP next time. Certainly we learn far more playing in tougher matches. 

Overall, we've got to be pleased with the effort levels and how we played, so well done boys.