UNDER 14's MATCH REPORT: LEFC 5 - 4 Toton Tigers

We finished training on Wednesday and I told everybody that we needed to win our last 4 matches to have a chance of finishing in the top 5. The first of these matches was against a strong Toton side who have been playing really well lately and after a slow start to the season have really hit form. With our dodgy results since Christmas we went in as underdogs.

The first quarter of the match belonged to Toton and before long some sloppy defending saw us 2 goals down and Toton looked dangerous. Despite this we were playing pretty well and certainly passing the ball around nicely without really penetrating the well drilled Toton defence. The pressure eventually handed us a lifeline and a powerful shot from Captain Awesome wasn't held by the Toton keeper and Jack The Predator Paisley was on hand to slot home the rebound, 1-2 and game on. Sadly, not long after Emmanuel had got back in the game then Toton got a freekick 25 yards from goal and the Toton player scored with a fantastic curling shot. 1-3 down at half time and we had a mountain to climb.

Despite the deficit I knew we could win the match and after reminding the players that the next 35 mins could define their season I sent them back out to get the match won. A win it they did.

Those who stood alongside me watching the second half will agree that as proud as we have ever been watching the team, we have never been this proud. The performance and the response was outstanding. Not just for the way we played but that we pulled the game back level, went behind again, and still found the courage and the passion to fight back once more and overcome the opposition.

The first of Emmanuels second half goals came from the regular source, Alex "Skillz that killz" Bucknor as he beat the defender and smashed the ball past the Toton keeper. The equalizer came from the impressive Bailey who dropped his shoulder, left the defender and finished expertly into the roof of the net, 3-3 and we were on fire. Then the sucker punch. Some great work down the right and a great cross from the Toton winger was met perfectly by the head of their forward, a fantastic headed across the keeper and we had another comeback to make. That comeback took 9 SECONDS, YES 9 SECONDS. The 4th goal was indeed a thing a thing of beauty and there will not be many as perfect scored all season. From the kickoff, and correct me if I'm wrong as it was a blur, the ball was passed back to Toby who passes to Jack, who lays it off to Isaac who spread the ball wide to Patryk who skinned the fullback and drove in a hard low cross which was passed into the net by Jack. Toton didn't get near the ball, 4-4. wow.

Then one of the funniest moments of the match as I decided to gamble all and go three at the back, sending on Noddy to try and get us the winner. As I shouted the instructions to the defenders Jabeds face dropped as he probably remembered the 3 late goals we conced last time against Toton when we went "three at the back". Fortunately, coach knows best and we got the winner shortly afterwards, but not through Noddy, which is good because I'm unbearably smug when I'm proven right. The goal came from the head of Jordan, his 7th header of the season I think, which considering he's usually the smallest player on the pitch is impressive. But he has a predators instinct in the box and he knows where the goal is, so it was no suprise that found the space and the finish. 5-4. A few nervy moments later and it was over.

Overall, this was a great match, best of the season. Toton played their part and awlays looked dangerous. Something we must remember when we play them again in 3 weeks time. After our recent poor run to beat an in form team took a great effort but most importantly this game showed that Emmanuel are back and that the team possess the quality to beat any opposition. We lost our focus after Christmas and the many cancelled games didn't help but it's back and we'll need it, another 3 performances like saturday and we can achieve what we aimed for, a top 5 finish.

It's difficult not to pick out everybody for a special mention. Adam, Jabed, Toby and Dan were great at the back, especially in the 2nd half. Jack Paisley had an exceptional game and gave a targetman masterclass and Alex was a constant menace to the defence. Patryk and Jordan both had outstanding games on the wings and Jubed, as ever, was everywhere, probably too much as we had to keep reminding him to get back to the middle, but he ran his heart out for the team.
The biggest pat on the back has to go to Isaac however as he gave a true captains performance and was the engine of the team driving on through the midfield and was at the heart of everything in the midfield.

So, 1 down, 3 to go. Let's keep this up, stay focussed and finnish on a high.

Well Done lads!

Goals: Paisley 2, Bucknor 1, Bailey 2.

Toby of the Match: Isaac

It's best to not identify them!