UNDER 14's MATCH REPORT: LEFC 4 - 0 Stretton Eagles

It's a strange feeling to have won a match and be a little disappointed but thinking back to this morning maybe it's harsh to feel this way. I am proud to have seen us win our third consecutive match and equally proud to have witnessed Josh's first and extremely deserved first goal for the club. The fact that Stretton arrived with only 9 players didn't affect them, they were already beaten, but it did affect us. We've been there before ourselves, 9 players, against a good team, simply playing for pride and Stretton can be proud, they fought really well and showed great spirit. However the time and space we had on the ball slowed us down, there was no urgency about the game and essentially with the extra 2 players it became like a training match with attack vs defence.

In hindsight it's hard to criticise the players for lacking that edge that normally sees us power forward, hassle and pressure the opposition and keep a high tempo. It was difficult in a very non-competitive atomosphere. So, we stuck to our task, beat the opposition and register another 3 points, another clean sheet and edge closer to those temporarily above us in the table. We passed the ball well, got some great crosses into the box and our general play is improving all the time. So, no complaints there but it was complecency and maybe trying too hard which cost us a few more goals.

Some special mentions: Sam, excellent first half, took the opportunity to shoot when it was there, against any other keeper he'd have had a hat-trick, good passing and vision. Jordan, man of the match, attacked defenders, went round them with ease, unlucky not to score and never stopped trying. Isaac, as always tireless, scored a great goal, controlled the game. Jubed, starting to settle into the team and his responsibilities and establish himself as first choice right back. Dan, did well in the centre and always looked comfortable on the ball. Josh, great defensive work and got the goal he's deserved, well done Josh!

In conclusion, we did what we had to in a difficult and unusual situation, maybe we could have done it more emphatically but a win is a win. We will have a much harder game at bottom club Darley next week and must not carry any memory of this game into that match. Expect a hard and determined effort from Darley which will only be extinquished by a 100% solid, focussed and inspired performance from ourselves.

See you all Wednesday ready any energised. Don't forget to make sure you are all available for the next 3 matches before Christmas, away at Darley 6th Dec, Mickleover 95 Utd 13th Dec and Toton 20th Dec.

Goals: TIMSON, BUCKNOR, TOURKI, COOLING.

Toby of the Match: Jordan Bailey


Squad: Back Row: Timson, Carter, Barrow, Tourki, Zubayel, Bucknor, Richardson, Cooling, Galhena, Ed. Front Row: Trebski, Telfer, Rahman, Callan, Bailey, Postance, Conneally, Me!

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