Bedworth United Junior U16 vs Leamington Hibs Juniors U1
4 - 0
12 November 2017 · Coventry & Warwickshire Youth League<br>U16 - Div B
Away cup match played on 12 November 2017.
Kicked off at 11:00 AM
4-0
vs Bedworth United Junior U16 Aztecs
Away cup match
On paper this looked like it was going to be a stern test of the lads, playing not only an age group above but also a Division A, U16 team.
The game kicked off at 11.00am with Hibs playing into a strong breeze on a billiard smooth 3G pitch. It soon became clear that the opposition were a quality team that moved the ball around exceptionally well. For the first quarter of an hour we struggled to get into the game maybe giving Bedworth too much respect. Despite a shaky start we started to find our feet and nearly made it to half time without conceding, Jacks great work in goal being a key reason for this. Just before half time however a loose ball in the six yard box was pounced on by Bedworth and they went into half time 1:0 up.
The lads clearly took heart from their first half resistance and in the 2nd half we started to generate some decent chances ourselves, Tariq just shooting wide after good work from Jermaine. Ultimately the movement of the ball by Bedworth left us leggy and chasing shadows later on in the second half and they scored another 3 to run out deserved 4:0 winners.
All the lads should be very proud of their performance, there was clearly a significant difference between the quality of the two teams, but Hibs’ work rate and attitude made Bedworth work hard for their win. There is a huge amount that can be learned from this game. Firstly the team should model itself on the type of football Bedworth played, as a team we are capable of this if we continue on our current trajectory. Secondly our biggest weakness was exposed as our inability to retain the ball when under constant pressure from the opposition, and often a “hoof” up-field was chosen rather than trying to retain it. Retention of the ball is something we do well against our usual opposition and this is something we must learn to do when under more pressure.
No special mentions or “Man of the Match”, all 12 of the lads should be proud of their performance.
Rick May