UNDER 14's MATCH REPORT: Mickleover 95 United 2 - 1 LEFC

A visit to the league leaders is always going to be difficult when you are on a bad run but despite recent results there were no signs of low confidence amongst the Emmanuel players. Infact, the confidence and the belief seems to be returning to the team and it was no more evident than in today's solid and determined performance. It was a close match that could have gone either way but eventually the lack of clear chances Emmanuel created stopped them getting something from the game.

With Captain Isaac Timson injured it was always going to require someone else to step up to the plate and a new midfield partnership of Rahman and Callan took to the field. Their workrate and mobility throughout the game was fantastic and they, along with the back four of Telfer, Al-Zubayel, Richardson and Conneally performed the job of keeping the leagues best attack at bay. It was only through some sloppy defending at corners which Emmanuel let themselves down as defenders failed to get a solid foot on the ball to clear for both goals. It was Emmanuel however who opened the scoring through Jordan Bailey, his 7th goal of the season, after a mistake by the Mickleover keeper allowed him a free header into the net.

Player ratings and performances:

GK: Paisley - A solid and dependable pair of hands, in for the injured Barrow (get well soon Rob). Great handling and a cool head. 7
RB: Telfer - Another solid game, made some great tackles but could do with dreaming a little more when he's sleeping, not playing. And stop biting your finger nails in matches. 7
CB: Al-Zubayel - A calm and commanding performance, needs to work on control and concentration, but once again another solid display. 8
CB: Richardson - Fantastic performance today, won plenty of headers and got stuck in as normal, truely "The Rock". Needs to focus on awareness and control. 8
LB: Conneally - As always hassled and pressured the opposition and has much more ability than he realises, needs to work on attacking the ball being brave in the tackle. 7
DM: Callan - Good performance today in an unfamiliar role but followed the game plan and did his job. Needs to influence games more and use his full potential. 8
DM: Rahman - A man of the match performance, ran all over the midfield box to box and never let the opposition have time on the ball, like a nuclear powered Claude Makelele and still improving. Needs to develop his decision making and pass selection. 9
AM: Trebski - Another powerful performance which left the opposition rattled. Fear is not a word in his vocabularly. Must show more quality in the final third, should be creating and scoring more with his ability. 8
AM: Bailey - Struggling with injury after a bar fight with 13 ninjas but still created some good opportunities down the left. Pace and trickery with loads of potential and derserved his goal. Has to work on his final ball and take the opportunities to shoot more but a star in the making. 8
AM: Bucknor - Plenty of running, some good moments but he'll be dissapointed by his high standards not to score. Didn't get enough service but sometimes he doesn't need it. Needs to work on being more direct when shooting and create more space for himself against defenders. His goals will be crucial in the final 4 matches if we are to finish in the top half where we deserve.8
ST: Parton - Solid and hardworking performance from the big man. Was isolated at times upfront but still gave the defenders plenty of problems. Needs to work on his decision making and final ball. 8
SUB: Carter - Good display in midfield, passing and awareness are his great assets but must be braver when challenging for the ball and work on his first touch. 7
SUB: Lee - Another good display from the returning defenders. It's like having a new player. Always gets stuck in and isn't afraid of the tackle but needs to work on his distribution and retention of the ball. 7
SUB: Tourki - Made some intelligent runs as always and always looks to get in behind the defence. Needs to speed things up on pitch and work harder without the ball. 7

Overall, a really positive performance that we can take into the remaining games. We must be confident and show this determination in every match now. We have 4 games that we can win and if we work as hard as we did today then we will. Take nothing for granted and treat every game like it's a cup final.


As Frank Lloyd Wright said

"I know the price of success: dedication, hard work, and an unremitting devotion to the things you want to see happen".

COME ON EMMANUEL!

Goals: Bailey

Toby Of The Match: Jubed

Squad: