League Match | Away – Against Galaxy Thunder U13

Coming off an excellent result the previous week, this game was an opportunity to gain some more confidence and – with only one more game – to enter the Christmas break on a high.

This was a very tight game but highlighted the reason for doing the basics right until the final whistle.

It is true to say that if this was a game of Gaelic football Galaxy would have won. Their coaches must have been tearing their hair out the number of chances that where sent over the bar. Extra shooting practice I think.

On the other hand our team chased everything until the final whistle and Jason, chasing what looked like a lost cause was able to force a winning goal by Keane in the last five minutes. Our high press was a very successful tactic with many of our better moments arising from it, including the first goal from Miran. Jacob playing as a lone striker, was a thorough nuisance all game and probably had his best game so far this season.

The new formation seems to have solved the conundrum of how to get the best from our players. Having Oscar at CDM gives the team the benefit of his excellent positional sense and accurate passing. He was also able to help out the defence during a few hairy moments in the second half. Jason and Jack were able to go forward with more freedom and use their undoubted attacking abilities. The left and right midfielders were able to play as wingers, but also to tuck in when required to cover.

Our defence was as excellent as ever in the first half. Galaxy brought on a strong, fast striker in the second half who quickly equalised and looked like a potential match winner. James, Caiden, Toby and Miran though regained their composure and put in some excellent tackles to snuff out the threat. Toby deserves a special mention for keeping his cool when it appeared he was struck by an opponent.

An excellent team display. Galaxy Thunder U13s 1 Willingdon Athletic U13s 2.