Youth Reports 2016-17

25 September 2016

Northwood Reds Under 13s 0  London Maccabi Lions 2

After a week off we found ourselves back at Northwood Park on a warm lunchtime game against London Maccabi. The boys did start well but were not at the same level as the previous game against Brady Maccabi; the same eleven started with a switch of positions for Dan, Terry going in at right wing back and Dec going in attack alongside Zaki. The back three of Oliver Lewis Ryan and Ale, the midfield three of George Felipe and Dan Jago with Lewis Reid slotting in at the other wing back position on the left.

The game did start evenly with both sides trying to play a passing game but the pitch did not help with some areas have long grass and other being very bobbly, so did not make it easy for the boys along with the fact that our first touch was not the best. Also we were not winning enough of the 50-50 challenges and then wasting the possession when we did. LM did enjoy most of the good chances of the half and then in the 14th and 16th minutes got 2 goals which were as a results of our own errors. The shape of the team and energy levels of the boys did not seem the same as the previous game so both John and I were happy to get the boys in at half-time still only trailing by two.

At half time we went to a back four of Ale Lewis Ryan Oliver and Dec we then had a three of George, Dan Jago and Felipe with Lewis Reid and Dan Terry wide right and left and Zaki up top. This did seem to suit the defenders better, as they then had more shape and had a better idea of who to mark. The whole team did play a lot better in the second half and we could have even nicked a draw if the two good chances we had had gone in.

Well done all of the boys, who did show a definite improvement in the second half, and to this week’s player of the match Lewis Ryan.

Dave Blincko