Match report NMJFC U9s Falcons - 19/03/23
A minutes applause was impeccably observed by all teams recognising NMJFC founder Mike Taylor, who sadly passed away recently.
What an amazing legacy he has left - and todays derby between the Falcons and the Hawks, seeing how many kids from our local community now have the platform to play the beautiful game, would have made him proud.
It was down to action and after a bout of sickness rocked the Falcons camp just before kick-off, it meant everyone had to be switched on and focussed from the first whistle.
Both teams were determined to stamp their authority on the game, but some great tackling was preventing early attacks at both ends. But space started to appear and the Falcons started to test the Hawks goalkeeper now, with Archie and Angus making excellent runs down both wings. With a succession of corners, the Falcons were making their pressure count.
But we know how dangerous this Hawks team can be and it was them who started to mount attacks of their own and they ended the first half with chances at the Falcons goal.
A half-time regroup was needed. The Falcons were doing really well. But we knew, from recent match reports that the Hawks second half performances are always stronger - and they made the tactical switches we knew were coming.
Henry and Rowan had been excellent in defence in the first half, but with the introduction of pace into the Hawks attack, this was going to be arguably their toughest test of the season.
As the second half began, the Falcons again had the first early chances. But as the team pressed forward, the game got stretched and the Hawks then started to get on top. What felt like wave after wave of attacks really tested the Falcons defenders and Oscar in goal made some excellent saves at this point.
As the clock ticked on, this game turned into proper derby. Both teams digging deep for that extra energy, showing amazing commitment in the tackle and turned into a frantic end to end encounter.
As the final whistle came, both teams came together knowing they had given absolutely everything on the pitch and acknowledged each other for an amazing derby.
Absolutely first class goals today from Archie ⚽️⚽️ and Alfie ⚽️⚽️
Special mention to todays captain Alfie. He loves the occasion of these derby games and during the first half was involved in countless attacks, which were rewarded by a couple of excellent goals, including one free kick from 20 yards out. The second half he had to play deeper and use his pace to try and counteract the opposition, but this showed his versatility.
But today’s player of the match was Lucas. Absolutely well deserved for another blockbuster performance. As our striker, Lucas pressed from the front the whole game and didn’t give the opposition anytime on the ball. He dropped deep to help out his team when needed, made some excellent passes and went close with a couple of chances himself. His communication was also brilliant today, constantly asking for the ball and talking to his team mates.
Huge well done to the Hawks for their part in a brilliant derby. Their second half performance especially showed the determination and never give up attitude that we read about every week, while playing some great football. Well done!
Roll on next week!
⚽️🖤💛⚽️
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