Game 9, 11 June 2011 - U8 Vipers V St Ives
High quality football gets the result in the end. The Vipers have been listening at training and today did every thing right. Everyone held their position really well, passed really well, ran into free space really well and worked together as a team.
The vipers had plenty of chances in the first half but nothing would go between the posts. I saw every single player have a shot at goal but some just went wide, some over the top and same were saved by the goalkeeper (even when he was not watching). Despite having most of the possession St Ives got away on two occasions for two long range shots that left Jeremy catching air.
At 2-0 down the halftime score did not seem to reflect how the game was going and we were sure things would turn around (or at least hopeful). Jeremy came out of goal and gave us a good boost of hard running and strong tackles. Ben fired up and took a long range shot that bounced off the keeper and Nick was as always on the spot to get the scoring started. From here there were so many shots on goal I lost track.
Archie was getting lonely in goals as the ball stayed right up the other end, which was a pity as we know Archie had been training hard all week. I almost wanted to shoot at our own goal to see Archie’s style in goals. Jesse took a shot that almost knocked the keeper over but was saved well. Luke too a few great long range shots and Nick had a few more close range chances . Harold and Luke were doing a great job at the back and continued to make Archie's day easy in goal. Ben showed fantastic composure for his two goals and one was a perfect execution of receiving a pass, turning, getting his balance and picking his spot in the back of the net. Ben’s continual pressure, strong defence and two great goals won him the man of the match. The 3-2 finish was a triumph for quality u8 football.