UNDER 14's MATCH REPORT: LEFC 3 - 2 Mickleover Sport Junior

After last weeks fantastic cup win away at first Division Heanor confidence was high but Mickleover SJ arrived sitting 4th in the table and would prove prove tough opposition. I imagine they arrived expecting to win but sadly for them the Emmanuel team they have played on previous occasions no longer exists. Unfortunately they faced a tougher, fitter, faster and confident Emmauel full of belief and with team spirit to spare.

The scoreline suggests a close game, but in reality it wasn't. Emmanuel should've scored more and being more clinical in front of goal is an area for improvement. Mickleover had their chances too but the goals they scored were not through their own endevour but through Emmanuel's generosity. I think we like to make things hard for ourselves, maybe we like to keep things really exciting, I wish we could find another way, maybe I'll employ some cheerleaders or fireworks at half-time!

After the normal scary moments at the back and being rescued by man of the match Toby "The Tiger" Telfer in his sweeper, more like a hoover, position, Emmanuel took the lead mid-way into the first half through star striker, LEFC legend and the totally too kool for skool Alex Bucknor. The Mickleover keeper kindly kicked the ball to Alex who was just inside their half and with only 5 defenders and the goalkeeper to beat Alex, as normal, took up the challenge and glided past them all whilst juggling 3 oranges and smashed home. 1-0.

We didn't half to wait long for the second goal, and a momentus event it was too when Jabed latched onto a pass, cut inside the defender and lashed home an arrow of a drive into the bottom left hand corner of the net from 30 yards. His first goal for the club and completely deserved. Jabed you are a star! 2-0 and that's how it stayed until half-time.

The 2nd half saw Emmanuel continue to play well. The understanding between, Bailey, Bucknor, Timson and Parton (on for Noddy) was begining to click. Jordan Bailey in particular is getting better with every game and is a welcome addition to our Emmanuel family. You're one of us now Jordy! Against the run of play however it was Mickleover who scored next. A possible handball on the edge of area was not seen be the officials but rather than playing to the whistle Rob and the defence decided to stand still in anticipation of the decision. The Mickleover striker thought it was christmas already and passed the ball unopposed into the net. PLAY TO THE WHISTLE, but I know it won't happen again, will it!.

Now we need a cushion again, thankfully we got it when Alex chased a lost cause, won the ball off of the keeper who failed to get two hands on it and John was in the right place at the right time to net his 3rd of the season. 3-1 and looking comfortable again.

Then, as obviously we need more excitement, Dan and Toby decide to have a "who can score the best O.G" competition. First Dan lobs Rob and the ball bounces off the underside of the bar onto the line and out. Sadly for Tobes he ran in to scramble the ball away but instead blasted it into the net. Unlucky guys. It's funny now, but I wasn't laughing at the time.

So, we held out against our own suicide football and won what was good match against a higher placed, but definitely not superior team.

Special mentions: Jabed, back in midfield after a few games at the back, ran the match, dominated the opposition and got that first goal. A midfield general! Isaac, as always tireless running, great passing, unlucky not to score. Captain Awesome! Chand, his first match for us, did well and had some nice touches on the ball. More to come! Jordan, super skills, hard work, should've scored. A star in the making! Dan, a solid game, best left back in the league, needs to get forward more when we attack. Alex, skill and hard work are good together, can score whenever he likes.

Overall, we just keep improving. The passing game is coming, but we can work on our vision a little more. We must talk to each other. There is nothing this squad of players can't achieve together. The talent is there and we're starting to show it in matches now. Keep believing and we'll keep winning.

Other thoughts. It is impossible to ignore what happened during the second half involving one of their parents. Whilst it is a passionate game and things can sometimes get the better of us our club will not tolerate any abuse of it's players. Equally we expect our players to not to retaliate or become provoked by the foolishness of those on the sidelines. Thankfully both myself, Ed and all of the parents present were proud with the way you all conducted yourselves in a difficult situation and you were all a credit to the club.

Goals: Bucknor, Al Zubayel, Parton.

Toby of the Match: Toby "The Tiger" Telfer

Squad:


Back Row: Grainger, Timson, Zubayel, Richardson, Bucknor, Parton, Carter, Tourki, Galhena, Barrow. Front Row: Trebski, Bailey, Telfer, Callan, Me, Rahman, Conneally

Starting 11: