Match Report - MICKLEOVER 95 U14 MARVELS (SUN) - 26 Jan 2020

Following our first defeat of the season last week the boys needed to dig deep to get back on track.

We were up against a Mickleover Marvels team who’s current league position doesn’t do them justice and a team that beat Chellaston both home and away last season so I knew it wasn’t going to be easy. Both Brendan and I also saw them put 6 past Heanor only a couple of weeks ago so also knew they could score.

As the whistle blew we were off and trying hard. The pitch although the same for both, I felt was one in which we were struggling on due to it being slow, heavy and narrow. Not good for our style of free flowing attacking football. When Jamie put a ball through for Finlay we all breathed a sigh of relief when into the bottom corner it went.

As the half time whistle blew we were 1-0 up and although I felt we slightly deserved 5 lead, we were definitely in a game.

In the second half it was very tight, many changes were made to not only give all the lads a run out but also to keep legs fresh. The next goal would be critical as it looked like it could go either way but when the ball broke from Jamie to Fin once again just in their half there was only one thing on Fins mind and that was another goal, a fine run and even better shot resulted in Chellaston being 2-0 up and this is how the match would end.

It was great being back on top and back to winning ways. There were some notable performances as all the lads dug deep for a true team win. New boy Fin Cross started tentatively which is understandable on his debut but in the second half really grew into the game and was unlucky on one occasion not to put himself on the scoresheet, I feel it’s only a matter of time.

Jamie who has looked in recent weeks to be lacking a bit in confidence setup both goals which should help him no end and I’m sure his next goal isn’t far away and Mr reliable Ben just did what he does excellently all over the park.

Man of the match however went to Finlay N (picked by Brendan not me !!), who I can confirm was absolutely buzzing as a result. It was a close call with a few but I think his two goals made the difference on the day. Well done Fin and well done to everyone for getting this promotion push back on track.

Next week we play Mickleover once again only this time at home so the boys must be on top form once again if we are to get the same result again. There’s no easy games in this division. I can’t be there this week but I’ll be nervously waiting for the results in France so please keep me informed !