UNDER 14's MATCH REPORT: LEFC 4 - 2 Mickleover 95

With the final game of the season came the need for a performance and the 3 points that would move us above our opposition into 7th place. There are 2 ways of looking at finishing 7th. First, we have improved, we're no longer the pushovers or the cannon fodder. Second, we have improved so much that 7th place is actually an under-performance for a talented squad. However, we are moving in the right direction and the manner in which we play and the desire in the squad have shown that we are in the process of becoming a really strong team.

As the players arrived looking very professional in the new kit I could tell that there was a confident and determined mood about the squad and I felt that we would win the match. After Mickleover went 1-0 up after poor defending from a free kick (please move and jump, it helps!) I was still confident but less happy. When Alex made it 1-1 with a trademark finish after a sublime through ball from Isaac I was happy again and so was Alex judging by the sommersault. It wasn't long before we found ourselves 2-1 down after more indecision at the back left Woody having to play sweeper and the Mickleover forward finnished well over his head. Half Time and some fighting had to be done. Fortunately this season we have found our backbone, we don't roll-over and we certainly do not give in. In 35 minutes we did when Manchester United did to Tottenham and turned the game around completely and like United the comeback got underway with a rather fortunate goal. As Patryk went to head the ball it hit his hand instead and bounced in, the ref gave the goal and understandably Mickleover where upset. Sometimes you get a lifeline in games and it's difficult to turn them down. Manchester United didn't and neither did we. 2-2 and now we had a game to win. It was fitting too that the player who scored those winning goals was Alex, in my opinion the best forward in the league, with 2 typical goals. The first was one of those dribbles where Alex looked like would keep going until he made the space for the shot, he found the space and the the high shot left the Mickleover keeper desperately trying to get a solid touch, but to no avail, 3-2. Then the goal that really sums up Alex, chasing down a through ball, out powering the defending, rounding the keeper, 4-2. Game, set, match and 7th place. Finish on a high.

So the performance. At times some of the passing was really really good as we spread the play on several occasions and tried to pull the Mickleover defenders across the pitch. We had a lot of joy in wide areas and in the first half Luke Gee had some great moments on the right but just struggled to get the right end product. Luke will definitely become an important player for Emmanuel as he continues to develop. Jordan also had a great game on the left despite his injury problems and what pleased me most about the whole game was seeing him back heel the ball to Dan's overlapping run from left fullback position leading to a superb cross. That's what we want to see and it was great play. Midfield worked hard and both Isaac and Noddy had a solid game. Defensively we looked very good generally and the Adam, Jabed and Rob look to able to play very well together in any combination. In particular however there was another impressive performance from Mike who continued his good form and rarely came out second best in any challenge, read the game well and supported those ahead of him as any good fullback should. Woody had another strong game in goal and although it's taken a while to break into the team he has seized his opportunity with both his gloved hands and the lankey ninja looks like the number 1 choice between the sticks.

So, man of the match. Despite his hat-trick it wasn't Alex who got the accolade, it was John. He worked tirelessly all game and most importantly selflessly. Chasing and closing down, looking to bring others into play and keep the Mickleover defensive under constant pressure. I was hoping he'd get a goal as it's been a while and he deserves one but a real chance just never came his way in an otherwise fantastic performance. You want someone to lead your line? Call 0800- John.

Overall, it was a fantastic day and the team spirit the camaradery between both players and supporters is what makes this club special and what makes Saturday mornings so enjoyable. Everybody has worked so hard throughout the season and it's truely a privilige to be part of each others lives and share in both the ups and the downs. I would say the ups and the down have been 50/50 this year but we've never stopped smiling and never stopped believing. Next season will be our best ever and I really want us to be in contention for promotion, we can do it.

Let's enjoy the Dynamo Summer Cup, playing some footy together over the summer months and hopefully you'll all put on lots of muscle and grow a few more inches, except maybe John, Jabed, Adam, Jack and Woody, you guys are big enough right now!

Also, I was interested to see a group of WAGS at the match on Saturday, a first so far this season and I am led to believe that Alex, John, Noddy and Isaac have admirers.

I'm off to buy myself a huge tactics board and move the magnets around all summer long. See you all Wednesday and thanks to everyone!

Toby of the Match: John
Goals: Bucknor 3, Trebski

Squad: Back Row: Luke (the player), Patryk, John, Adam, Alex, Luke (the coach), Jabed, Noddy, Mike, Woody, Sam, Isaac.
Front Row: Jordan, Jubed, Dan, Joe, Rob.

I love that you all look so interested in the team talk! Mike, you aren't even looking, or is that where the WAGS are?

Luke Gee in his rather aptly named match shirt.