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MossleyJuniors

FA Charter Standard Clubs

MJFC Under-9s v TSC United – 8 October 2011

EMJFL Under-9s League Fixture

 TSC and A&E

 STARS       0 – 6     TSC UNITED (ht 0-3)

GALAXY     2 – 0     TSC UNITED (ht 1-0)

 Back on the pitch after a free weekend the boys were hoping to put their cup woe aside and carry on the good form in the League. Having enjoyed a great training session on the 4G artificial turf at Mossley Hollins school in mid-week now was the time to put the learning into effect. Things were somewhat scuppered by TSC’s coaching staff unethical decision to pitch their strongest side in game 1 making both games uneven and preventing what could have been two entertaining and close matches.

 Game 1:

In a continuous drizzle the decision by the League to switch the game to artificial turf rather than on grass sent the team into a frenzy of boot changing but probably saved on after-match kit cleaning bills. Stars set themselves up with Blake making a welcome return at the back and Matt V and Brodi on the bench. From the kick-off things didn’t seem quite right as TSC midfield and strikers swarmed all over the Stars team pinning them back in their own half. Spirited tackling from Blake, who throughout the match commanded the defence and was disciplined in his positional play, aided by Kaden and some fine tracking back and blocking tackles by Owen, kept the game scoreless. The breakthrough goal did come eventually as the defence stood motionless allowing the TSC strong and mobile centreforward time and space to place a shot into the bottom corner. Standing off and allowing space and time to the opposition was a recurring theme leading to two more goals before half time. The introduction of Matt and Brodi did give the team more attacking intent and there were some fine examples from Louie R, Jago and Matt V of how we like to play a passing game but TSC held firm. The boys gave as good as they got in the second half in terms of tackling, Josh G showing good strength, but lacked a team willingness to chase the game and win the ball and all too often when the boys did win it the pass, if it came, was too hurried and with no direction. TSC scored three more despite some fine saves from Max and the game was done.

 MotM: Blake  – showed a different side to his game as he kept his position throughout, took his time to look up and pass when he could and put in some great tackles. Probably his best game in the white shirt.

 Game 2:

It soon became apparent that TSC had played their stronger side in the first game as Galaxy became encamped in the TSC half and created chance after chance against inferior opposition. This realisation made the efforts by Stars a bit more impressive despite losing in game 1. The whole Galaxy team played with an intelligence that the scoreline doesn’t do credit and some neat passing was backed up by control and strength in midfield and at the back. More goals could have been scored if the players were less hurried to get a shot off but took time to look up and see gaps and their own players around them in better positions. The first goal resulted in pressure from corners and TSC being unable to clear the ball leading to a shot that was handled in the box. Josh P stepped up and coolly slotted the ball from the spot into the bottom left corner – lovely penalty. Morgan and Louis M were impressive in midfield, in particular Morgan who was composed and hard tackling. It seems the midfield width is nicely balanced with Josh P on the right and Jamie becoming more confident and showing good skills and passing on the left. The continued pressure resulted in Noah firing home from close range and with more composure it could have been more. Despite this the coaching staff were pleased that the team created so many chances and feel if they keep doing this match by match the goals will come. Not long after the second goal came the worrying incident that left Morgan down and eventually being taken to A&E. Morgan, Josh P and a TSC player went for a loose ball, with the outcome all three on the ground and a boot 10 yards away. Two players were up quickly but Morgan stayed down, clutching his right foot. The ref blew for half-time and Morgan, after some treatment, headed off to Ashton General Hospital. The second half was more subdued with no more goals but a seemingly revigorated TSC team, perhaps through the addition of some of their more capable first team players, putting pressure on the Galaxy defence. With Aaron taking Morgans place and putting his foot in when needed, Mat S held firm with some intelligent tackles and play, and when he was beaten Max showed an alertness that might have been missing after a first half of not being tested at all. Getting his body and hands behind the ball, or stretching to turn one shot round the post, Max pulled of some important saves. Galaxy tried for the goal that would seal the win but let TSC off with some tired and hurried play. The ref blew for the end of the game which gave the Under-9s their third win of the season.

 MotM: Mat S – not asked to do much in the first half, he showed good thinking, positional play, passing and determination in the second to handle the TSC attack.

 PotW: Josh P – backing up a great contribution during training with a display full of energy and determination in the match, including a well taken penalty.

 Injury update: a spokesman for the club said that Morgan’s precautionary X-ray showed only a soft tissue injury (heavy bruising) thankfully and he should be back in midfield soon.

 In an interview in A&E when awaiting news on teammate Morgan, striker Noah noted that “TSC played an odd tactic of switching teams for the games and I only wish I had my shooting boots on today to slot half a dozen past them.” Taking into account performances so far this season Noah continued: “We as a whole squad though need to be more consistent and to up our team game to want and keep the ball and play the pass and move style the coaches are trying to get us to play.”