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Match Report - Under 9's, Hawkers, Sun 25th November 2007, Bressingham
Published date - Thu 29/11/07
Norman 3 - 1 Hillside(A)
We met at the school at 11am (and watched the Hunter team playing really good football and beating the opposition) ready for a really long trip to Bressingham to play just one game of football – against Norman! It was unanimously decided that we would NOT follow me today given my lack of sense of direction. And Leigh led the way. It took us almost an hour to get there but with 7 players ready and waiting we were ready to warm up.
We were still waiting for our 8th player (Paul N) and as Julie had been given the wrong directions, I can’t blame her for being late on this occasion!!
Today’s squad consisted of Matthew (GK), Marley (Captain), Paul, James TJ, Harry, Brandon R, Caleb & Matthew C. I only took 8 players today as it was only 1 game of football.
We warmed up well and the boys were ready for a good game of football. We knew Norman were above us in the league but we went out hoping that we could secure that long awaited win.
Matthew C started as sub and we kept the same team for the entire first half. We started off really brightly and created many chances with the best falling to Harry but he could just not find the back of the net. After about 6 minutes, we broke down the Norman defence and Brandon (our top goal scorer) put away a fantastic goal to see us go 1-0 up. Well done Brandon. This goal was real teamwork with some great passing play.
Matthew M was then called upon to make some good saves and kept Norman out of the game. Then a good goal from Norman from a fair distance saw them level the score at 1-1. Heads began to drop so the parents were key to picking them up again.
The first half ended 1-1.
Team talk and Caleb was replaced by Matt C. The ball was really going from end to end and Harry had a clear shot on goal only for it to be saved by the keeper and then rebound to Matt – he had to score – but no the ball was just not going to find it in the net!
They had a chance and made the most of it – their number 10 was a class payer – and they scored making it 2-1 to Norman.
Matthew M then made some of the most fantastic saves that I have seen. Some real ‘brave’ goalkeeping to keep Norman out of the net!
Caleb was then put back on the pitch to replace Harry. We saw some excellent tackling from the lads and Paul & Marley did some great defending to keep the ball at bay. Unfortunately, we could just not scramble the ball away and they scored again seeing the score line 3-1 to Norman.
Harry was sent back on and Brandon taken off after really battling again today.
Unfortunately we just could not score.
It was a long way to go for 30 minutes of football – but we played some good stuff. We know we are better than the score line suggests and it won’t be long before we get that win again that the boys so deserve.
SQUAD
Matthew M – Our goalkeeper that rose to the challenge again today. Some really great goal keeping and one tremendous ‘brave’ save to keep us in the game. Could so easily have MOM again.
Marley – once again very solid at the back. Unfortunate that 2 goals made there way past the defense but appreciate what you do at the back. Often the unsung hero but I will always have you in my team!
Paul – Great defending Paul – always prepared to get ‘stuck in’ and clear the ball.
Caleb – Ran and ran today which was good to see. Always attempts to get the ball and has such power. Well done Caleb.
James TJ – Well done today James. Well deserved man of the Match. Really did everything that I asked him to do and covered every inch of the pitch. Got stuck in when I asked him to and showed real grit and determination.
Matthew C – Came on as sub in second half. Had a great chance to score but could not find the back of the net.
Harry – Made the chances and again could not find the back of the net. Unlucky not to have scored! Played well – the goal will come Harry – keep trying!
Brandon R – Another contender for MOM. Played his heart out today and kept trying to get the ball in the oppositions half. And as for the goal – well done Brandon. You deserve to be our top goal scorer! Great game for you.
Thanks this week to all the parents again who were very vocal. Which was great to hear (more about that in a minute). Thanks to Mick Mulloy for taking notes for me – made it much easier. And to Leigh for the support and encouragement at the back and the oranges. Thanks to you all.
I was standing at the other side of the pitch today and these were some of the comments I could hear being shouted by our great supporting parents………….
After the ball ended in the bushes and the players were trying to retrieve it – “Don’t worry, stinging nettles don’t sting after September!” – Julie
“MAKE IT YOURS HILLSIDE” – about 48 times – Michelle
“Get it up your end” – again about 48 times – Julie
“GET STUCK IN” – over 48 times – Michelle
I tell you – if there was an award for the most vocal and supportive parents we would win it every game. It is really good that the boys get this support from the sidelines – so thank you everyone.
Thanks again everyone – 2 difficult games coming up in a fortnight against Catton & Lakeford. Get the boys fired up again please and we will go out fighting!
David Cox
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