WYRLEY COLTS VS WODEN WARRIORS Thursday 14th August Woden Warriors kicked off the new season with a Thursday evening friendly away to an accomplished Wyrley Colts team. It was Sam’s first game in charge, and the team lined up with a new 3-4-1-2 formation: Flynn in goal, the two Gabriels and captain Jas at the back, Olly and Sim employed as wing-backs, Jamie and Joe in midfield and Jack tucked in behind the front pair of Kyle and Ash. The team immediately settled in well to the new formation, and they just shaded the goalless first half. The defence held a tight line and was rarely troubled, while there were some delightful passing moves through the midfield and up the lads up-front. This was backed up by some gutsy battling in the middle of the park, which broke down numerous Wyrley attacks. The wing-backs took to their new role confidently, and provided great support going forward. Meanwhile, the forwards posed a constant threat with intelligent movement and some penetrating runs. The breakthrough came early in the second half, when a cross from the right was turned into his own net by one of the Wyrley defenders while under pressure from two of our lads. The next ten minutes was a real battle, as the home side pressed for the equaliser. The Woden defence held firm, and the team had plenty of outlets going forward. Gabriel Davis had been interchanging positions intelligently with Olly throughout the game, and midway through the half scored his debut goal with a clinical 12-yard strike which gave the keeper no chance. The match opened up during the last quarter as Wyrley battled to get something out of the game and Woden, tiring a little from their endeavours, lost their shape somewhat. A tactical tweak from the manager saw Joe drop deeper to offer some cover to the defence, while Jas snuffed out a number of attacks, leaving the Wyrley frontline decidedly frustrated. Woden regained their shape during the last five minutes, and played out the match looking much the stronger team. The most encouraging aspects of the victory were the manner in which the lads combined gritty determination, a willingness to express themselves, some fine, assured passing and a new-found confidence on the ball. The team adapted brilliantly to the new system, and there was a fine team spirit. Flynn was rarely troubled between the sticks but looked in control when he was called upon. Jas was composed at the back and, like Gabriel Santos, battled hard, while bringing out the ball confidently when the opportunity arose. Gabriel Davies defended well, while using his pace to advance up the pitch into dangerous positions, illustrated by his well-taken goal. Olly and Sim provided cover at the back and posed a threat going forward on the wings. Joe battled away in the centre, while looking to bring the wide-men into the game, and was unfortunate not to score with a couple of long-range efforts. Jamie was a constant thorn in the home team’s side with his tricky runs and ball skills, while Jack, filling the hole behind the strikers, gave the opponent’s defence plenty to think about. Ash held up the ball brilliantly with his back to goal, and provided a number of probing through balls, while Kyle kept the defenders busy with good movement and some darting runs. Overall, it was an impressive performance which made for a very encouraging start to the new season. WODEN WARRIORS: Flynn, Gabriel Davis, Jas, Gabriel Santos, Olly, Sim, Jamie, Joe, Jack, Ash, Kyle. GOALS: Own Goal, Gabriel Davis TEAM PERFORMANCE: 9/10
Posted on: Mon, 18 Aug 2014 09:12:26 +0000
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