The fixture times have changed for the New Year, with the U9's now having afternoon fixtures. The day was clear & dry,although the later kick-off seemed have no effect on the temperature, it was a cold one. Hats on for some, including the coaches.
We knew from the game against Buxton Athletic in the fixture earlier in the season, they were a difficult team who could cause us problems, and with no training since December, we knew this would be a tough test for the Wasps.
After the great performances running into the end of 2023, the formation stayed the same.
Frankie in goal, Sam & Alexander at the back, Kai in the middle, Dylan on the left, Alfie on the right & Rocco leading the charge.
The Christmas break worked well for Jacob’s ankle injury but illness kept him out for todays game, so the Wasps started the new year without their defensive rock for the third game in a row, and again without a substitute.
The team entered the pitch in good spirits, and with some shooting practice and some quick passing routines to warm up. The Wasps looked ready to face their opponents.
The game started at a very good pace, with the Wasps more than equal to Buxton in all areas of the pitch. The boys are familiar with their positions and stuck to the task in hand, countering anything Buxton threw at them and threatening at every opportunity.
When Buxton came forward the Wasps defended in a pack to snuff out any threats in-front of goal, forcing the ball forward to the ask questions of their opponent’s defence.
The pressure & team mentality showed. Corner after corner, the Wasps had their just reward.
The first half ended with the Wasps holding their own & looking to steal the advantage.
The second half started as the first, but the Wasps didn’t have the same energy as their counterparts, who had the benefit of substitutes to provide fresh legs.
The Wasps soldiered on, the seven of them rallying to keep the Buxton attack at bay, and pushing forward at every opportunity, rewarded again when Alfie ghosted in to poke a goal home.
The tiredness showed, but again the boys showed the resilience they have in abundance. They continue to make the coaches & parents proud.
Frankie: Faultless in goal, should have looked up more to see the disappointment in Buxton’s eyes as he grasped the ball off the line.
Sam: Told to push forward & meet the ball before Buxton got to it. He did that the whole game, half way up the pitch or on his goal line.
Alexander: The clearing & passing improvement was clear to see. Stuck to his job helping to keep Buxton at bay.
Kai: Covered every inch of the pitch. Tracked back to cover the defence & the link to get the forward line moving.
Dylan: The left flank is his. Tracking back to assist, but most importantly the target for the forward ball. Caused Buxton headaches all game.
Alfie: Covers do much of the pitch, un-noticed by the opposition. Stuck to the task, helped the defence, but key to counter-attack. Always drifts in to stick a goal home.
Rocco: Had a difficult game with Buxton being so tight, but dug deep to cause them problems everytime he had the ball. A constant threat & they knew it.
Player of the week could & should have been given to them all, but for the ground he covered, in midfield, covering in defence, and connecting to move forward, Kai got the trophy. Well done Kai & well done Wasps!
This band of boys have been on a journey, half of them new to the Wasps, but all growing together as a team.
We have a few things to focus on in training, but 2024 could be a good year for the Wasps.
We go again next week Wasps!
⚽️🖤💛⚽️
Comments