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MossleyJuniors

FA Charter Standard Clubs

MJFC Under-9s v Withington Rangers – 26 November 2011

EMJFL Under-9s League Fixture

 STARS ARE DAZZLING BUT GALAXY OUTSHONE

 STARS            5 – 1                 WITHINGTON RANGERS (ht 3-1)

GALAXY          0 – 3                 WITHINGTON RANGERS (ht 0-1)

Back at Martinfields after the the mid-season break the boys were up to play the first return fixture of the season against a Withington side they put to the sword comprehensively first time around. Two hard training sessions had been set out by the coaches to pick up on some of the areas for improvements identified in the mid-season review. This lunchtime kick-off would be stern test of how well the players had picked up those messages.

Game 1:

Counting on a full squad of players to pick from Blake stepped out for Stars this week and three substitutes lined up in the technical area. The game started out slowly with both sides testing out each other but not really giving the keepers much to deal with. However the play got interesting once Louie R took command of midfield, tackling (with only one instance of being late and from behind giving away a freekick!), chasing and linking up well with Matt V. In fact in keeping with performances much improved in recent weeks Jago and Josh G put in a shift in midfield that was the basis of what turned out to be a dazzling team performance. The stand-out of that show was the strength, determination and cleverness shown by Matt V who justifiably gave Stars the lead. In a finish any striker would be proud of Matt claimed a loose ball in midfield, took on two defenders, breaking through clear on goal to wait until the keeper moved before side-footing the ball calmly into the opposite corner. Stars then went from strength to strength, attacking with zest – passing, tackling and running to make the coaches proud. A second goal arrived when Blake chipped a superb corner with curl right into the goalmouth. Whether it took a deflection off a defender on the way into the net is neither here nor there – the goal was rightly given to the grinning Blake. Stars completed a period of great play with a goal that was just reward for the efforts put in by Jago, slipping a ball past the keeper delightfully which crossed the line just before Matt V followed up, like all good strikers, to make sure. Perhaps the lead made Stars take their foot off the gas and allowed Withington to reduce the deficit to 3-1. It could have been reduced further both just before and just after half time but for tackling and accurate clearances by Kaden, who has grown into the role at the back, and steady ‘keeping by Max that repelled the attacks. The second half allowed the complete change in midfield where Brodi, Owen and Will joined Blake, to dictate the game. Brodi was his usual energetic self chasing back twice to deny breaks by Withington, Owen and Will got stuck in, held their positions well and played passes that brought team-mates into play. It was left to Matt V to complete his performance with a second lovely finish after a good build up in midfield and then a wonder-strike by Blake which found the top corner from 20 yards out. A goal appreciated by all both on the pitch and in the crowd. Stars were pouring forward now creating many chances with Louie R, Jago and even Kaden, coming up from the back after a corner, having a go. Josh G was so close to rounding off his best game in the white shirt with a fierce shot that hit a keeper who knew nothing about it. If the game had continued none of the crowd, apart perhaps from the Withington fans, would have complained as the football was a delight to watch but the ref blew up to give Stars a magnificent 5-1 win.

MotM: Matt V  – in an all-round great team display by Stars, Matt picked up the award for his determination and strength, for looking up and passing as well as taking on defenders and finishing with style. Lead the line like a true striker.

Game 2:

With no notification of any players being absent the coaches were expecting a full squad turnout but Galaxy ended up playing with no substitute as the squad was left depleted by one. Thinking that the week off would give Galaxy a hunger for the game the coaches saw a confident-looking team take to the field seeking to confirm a second ‘double’ over Withington. However, whereas in the previous fixture Galaxy tore into Withington with a fine performance, early indications were that this wasn’t to be their day today. Withington were a much neater side going forward this time and had at the back a mountain of a boy who had speed and could play a bit too. Initial jousting after kick-off gave chances to both sides that came to nothing but slowly Withington took control of the game and it took thunderous challenges from Morgan and great positional sense from Mat S to keep the game goalless. The midfield couldn’t get into the game and Noah was left alone up front too many times. In one of the many losses of ball in midfield a series of Withington corners followed, none of which were cleared with any firmness, until one bobbled through the penalty area to be stabbed home from close range. Although Galaxy made up for it later in the game when perhaps it was too late, it was disappointing that so many of the players let their head drop and lose the willingness to stay calm, play their passing, controlled football and battle back. Now the Galaxy defence and goalkeeping was panicky with no one, from goalkeeper to defence to midfield, taking command in the penalty box when it was needed. Withington also dominated in midfield, sometimes quite literally by their huge defensive midfielder who seemed to intimidate Galaxy players by his sheer size. However his speed coming from nowhere and sure timing in a clean challenge in the penalty box on a speeding Noah, through clear on goal and about to pull the trigger, was astounding and prevented an equaliser. Withington looked threatening all through the first twenty minutes leaving Galaxy pleased to hear the ref blow for half time. Encouraging words by the coaches helped the players put in better performance overall in the second half but it took time to reach a level where they made a mark on the game. During that time Withington had scored two more to effectively conclude the result of the game but the final ten minutes gave Galaxy, their coaches and supportive crowd something to feel positive about. Morgan again showed the way tackling and blocking and distributing the ball well. Any Withington raids were dealt with by him and Mat S, both of whom looked up to pass out of defence to bring Jamie and Aaron, who shook off the cobwebs and put in the effort down either flank, into the game. Noah found the pace and trickery to cause a few problems for the Withington defence but despite the increased tempo from the team a consolation goal just wouldn’t come. As time ticked down to the final whistle the coaches and the crowd had to accept that the result was about right – Galaxy were below their best and outshone by a good Withington side.

MotM: Morgan  – Mr Consistent in that ‘sweeper’ role at the back Morgan is developing a good ability to read the game and share the ball to start attacking moves.

PotW: Josh G – played beyond his own standards in training and today’s match making some great forward passes once he won the  ball with his usual good tackling. A fine shot so nearly gave him his first goal for the club.

In post match comments the coaches praised the Stars for their best win of the season and equally their best all-round performance. In the mid-season review it was noted Stars had progressed fantastically – today was a test whether they could maintain the progress, which they, every one of them, certainly did; now to keep it up. Galaxy on the otherhand had an off day, which happens, but as Garth said  “the key is to not let your heads drop. At this stage of your football careers the result isn’t all-important whereas playing good, passing football is. Go on the pitch aiming to win, thinking you will win, but always play the Mossley pass and move style no matter how many goals ahead or behind the team is.”

Next week sees the return fixture against the season-opener opponents Hollingworth Junior Blacks. That day Mossley Juniors lost twice so lets see if we can go two results better this time around.