Under 14's.

Sunday 12th February 2012 - Home v Bramhall

  Result - Woodley Albion 11 Bramhall 3

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Match Report: Mike Lamont (Manager)

A game that was on and off more times than Balotelli's Mohican finally got going on the Gotherage Hill in bitter cold conditions but the standard of football kept everyone warmed and on their toes.

 The game was only seconds old when Josh picked the ball up and played a simple 1-2 with Nathan who played a return into Danny who then played him in down the right and Nathan hit an instant cross across the box into the feet of Andy who sent a shot over the keeper from within the box and the ball crept over the line. It was a perfect example of simple passing football practised at Woodley Sports paying off and was a great goal to open up the game 1-0.

 To be fair Bramhall did not lie down at any stage in the game and in the following 3 minutes their creative left winger was sent clear twice and his first effort was wide and the second was saved by Jake not for the last time he was called into action.

 A similar move to the goal was again instigated down the right and another Nathan cross was met by Andy and this time his shot hit the bar and bounced harmlessly back to the keeper. Nathan was involved in an excellent 1-2 with Danny and his pass sent Danny to race clear and cooly made it 2-0. The ball tended to stay at the top of the hill in this period which was down to good midfield passing but this was also evident all across the pitch. A good passing move broke down from outside the box and with a raft of bodies in front of him Tom unleashed the best drive I have ever seen from him right into the bottom corner of the net to make it 3-0. Great strike.

 The left sided winger for Bramhall again found himself clear and slotted well to bring it back to 3-1. We did respond quickly and from a corner the ball fell to Nathan whose shot went over. The next goal looked likely to be at that end and it didn't take long as Andy stayed onside and turned excellently on the edge of the box and shot across the keeper right into the corner. He finished his half off brilliantly by grabbing his well earned hat trick all within the space of 30 minutes as he made it 5-1. There was still time for Danny to have another shot fly narrowly wide and 5-1 at Half Time could have been even more.

 The first half had seen some excellent passing in midfield between Franco and Ross and they linked the forwards well and played up the hill well which isn't always easy. In amongst these chances for us Bramhall did find space on a number of occasions and Jake saved at the feet of the opposition at least 3 times and was brave, quick and always on his toes to sweep up when the ball beat our back line.

 The great thing about a game like this is the players desire to be involved which does always keep every player on their toes when we have such a strong squad. Players have been told they are currently putting themselves forward for selection for our next 2 games that will define our season and I think they have responded well to this challenge. The defence also did well with Chris and Louis working well together and although Reece had a difficult time against their best player he stuck to his task well.

 The second half started really up tempo and Rudgie got straight into the game and with a deft flick around the defender he rifled it into the corner for 6-1. Some more great passing down the right between Ross, Franco, Zack finally landed at Danny's feet but his shot went sailing over. Liam was finding their left winger equally tricky but with a tackle and a simple pass the ball was threaded through to Danny and he again cooly slotted past the keeper and 7-1 looked like it was going to be extended. I said after the game I did think that we at this stage slowed up and switched off from the basics and we must learn not to do this as the next 5 minutes saw 2 quick goals from sloppy defending be conceded from not being 100% at the races. This was equally frustrating for Jake as one of these goals he made 3 quality saves on the bounce that could have been cleared but ended up in the net. I know how much we both love clean sheets or not conceding more than 1 and against better opposition this could have put a result in jeopardy.

 Once again though the team does what it does best and raise it's game when required and the final 15 minutes saw firstly Danny square the ball selflessly across the 6 yard box for Nathan to tap in for 8-3, Franco square cooly for Rudgie to net for 9-3  and then Rudgie finish off the game with 2 further excellent finishes which made the result a resounding 11-3 at the final whistle.

 It just shows the standards we have set ourselves that an 8 goal advantage could have been better!!! But that's where we are and it's a pleasure to lead the lads at this time.

 It would be remiss of me not to mention that we did have a Premiership Referee running the line today as Jake wanted to point out it certainly wasn't on our side of the pitch (need to send him on that course as I don't think he has used his flag yet all season!!!) but he did pass on comment about what a great bunch of lads we have and what talent we have for our age range so take that as a massive compliment from him as well.

 So great result today lads and a number of players were in contention for MoM including some good passing in Midfield play from Nathan, Ross and Franco, Excellent finishing for 2 hat trick heroes Andy and Rudgie (4) but for some brave keeping and a desire for perfection which I like in bucket loads Jake displayed everything I want from the team and was well worthy of the award this week, well done.

 The next 2 weeks weather permitting are Cheadle East (2nd) in the league and Poynton in the quarter finals of the Cup so looking forward to everyone playing for their places starting this Weds at training.

 Mike

 
Man of the Match award - Jake.