There was something not quite right about the build-up to this weekend’s game?!
The lads weren’t listening or paying attention in the warm-up, we had a coaches birthday and within the last 24 Hrs we had discovered one of the greatest football players, ever to grace the game, had passed away. I don’t know how this effects the kids mind-set but we had to turn it into a positive.
The Hornets were up against an incredibly well organised opposition and as the boys huffed & puffed, they just couldn’t find that level they have become accustomed to. Buxton Athletic are very good and before we knew it . . . we were in unchartered territory going into H/T.
Luckily, Fenn was on it in between the posts, playing brilliantly and between him and Finley at the back, they kept the deficit to a minimum in the first-half. Finley had been in hospital earlier in the week but you’d have never known that from watching his performance. 110% and never anything less from our Finners!
Half-Time couldn’t arrive quick enough! A few choice words reminded the boys that without energy, effort & a little imagination, this game wouldn’t go their way. Some of them just needed the encouragement to believe…. A belief that if you try your hardest, the goods will follow.
Ollie M was the first recipient, he ran his socks off and as the ball was squared to him, he took it first time & The Hornets were buzzing again ⚽️ It was a fantastic response and marvellous team goal. Then Oliver L showed us a new level of passion. He simply refused to allow the Buxton Athletic defence to stop him . . . . He wanted to score more than his opponent wanted to defend, then made sure it happened ⚽️ Great fighting spirit Oliver L.
Ronan, Albie & Olive B had all taken notice of our H/T discussion and the way these boy create the magic doesn’t get the recognition they deserve! All 3 of them fight back too and this is our engine-room. The boys were alive and you could feel it was coming.
Then Frankie produced a moment of pure class. He managed to bring the ball down in the centre of the pitch and although we had instructed the team them to play the ball on the floor, Frankie also reminded the coaches we had requested they gambled and took risks. He hit the ball from way-out and it didn’t only lob the keeper, but it went in from the only angle possible, smashing in off-the-post for extra drama ⚽️ A goal Sir Bobby would have been proud of & the best present for his Dads birthday!
The confidence was oozing now and you just can’t stop the boys when it all clicks. Ronan was once again, in top form and was happy to slot back in defence and allowed the team to play more directly. Oliver L loves getting forward and he put the icing on the cake when he hit another absolute cracker for The Hornets ⚽️
A wonderful football match & by far the biggest test we have come up against so far this season. The boys showed a resilience and maturity well above their age and grinded out a performance to be proud of.
Player of the Match went to Fenn in goal🏆. First half he kept us in the game, second half he showed us how good he has become with his distribution. Off his line quickly and using his feet to turn defence into attack. Brilliant Fenn!
💛🖤⚽️
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