Lazio Too Strong For Storm In 3-1 Win !!

<p>After our excellent tournament win on Sunday we had a 9v9 game against Sale Utd Storm in readiness for next season. This was also a good run out for both teams who have their respective finals on Sunday. Finn and Nicky joined up from the Roma team with Ryan not available due to being away with school.

<p>We started slowly as we struggled to adapt to the 9-a-side and a lot of the play was scrappy as both sides found it difficult to use the open areas of the pitch. Daniel was again quick off his line to sweep up behind both Thomas M and Thomas Dy who looked strong and confident in their play. The Captain Thomas H played in the deep midfield roll with Ryan being away and closed down superbly to win the ball, Max was working tirelessly on the left, Thomas Da was full of energy on the right and Flynn and Finn were trying to get an understanding upfront.

<p>Storm were working extremely hard to deny us space, but we didnt help ourselves by pkaying extremely narrow. This certainly helped them and it was only when the boys realised we needed to stretch them wide to create space all over the pitch. The penny dropped to a degree and we started to create chances, particularly for Finn who had a one-on-one well saved by their keeper. He made amends a few minutes later when from a wonderful through ball from Flynn he calmly slotted home for us to lead 1-0. Just before the break after several opportunities and constant pressure Flynn scored from inside the box to give us a 2-0 half time lead.

<p>We explained to the boys that it is vital to make the pitch as big as possible when we have the ball to ensure they have to work and we have spaces to run into to receive the ball. We know it is a complete change to play 9-a-side but we need to think and move quicker.

<p>The second half was very even with Storm playing some nice football and thoroughly deserved their goal not long after half time when the forward bgave Daniel no chance. Although they had a lot of ball they never overly threatened our goal. However, we were not happy at their level of ball control and we needed to be better in possession and press faster and stronger to win the ball back. When we did counter attack Thomas Da was on hand to restore our two goal advantage with his usual excellent timing to arrive at the back post to tap in. The remainder of the game was relativbely iuneventful and the game ended 3-1.

<p>It was a good run out for our boys plus we didnt incur any injuries so everyone will be ready for our big day on Sunday.

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