Well much better conditions for the match this week in Ilkeston with no rain thankfully! We were tight on numbers this week for the 9v9 showdown with Stanton Stallions. A few of the Star Strike players being tested with a full match on the pitch.
Coach Manny got the boys warmed up with some exercise and shooting practice. Ezra led the charge as Captain today, we were pumped and ready to go from the start. The Stallions challenged us well in tackles, with passes intercepted in the first ten minutes, neither side taking the advantage.
As the game began to settle down Jokubas had our first shot on goal but was denied by a great save by the keeper. Shortly after though the first goal of the match came to Ezra with a great chip over the defenders and keeper to find the back of the net. The following minutes were scrappy, with errors made on both sides, hand balls saw free kicks to put pressure on. Towards of the first quarter the push from Star Strike saw us firmly in the Stallions half with further chances for Jokubas and Ezra. We continued to dominate in their half, winning corners and a number of great shots on target being saved by the Stallions keeper.
The only real threat from Stallions came towards the end of the first half where the ball was quick up the pitch to a one on one situation with our keeper Kiran, who made an awesome save to deny them a goal.
As we closed to the half time whistle Ezra found the back of the net again to take us to 2-0. Our defenders, Pharren, Cameron, Daniel & Dylan worked well together with Jake marshalling and communicating to the others to delay and frustrate attacks from the Stallions. Again, our training efforts from Wednesday paying off, some great moves from our back 3's!
The half time rally from Manny for a clean sheet in the second half was not only a success but saw the Star Strike boys find their rhythm particularly in the final quarter of the match. This was then reflected by the goals opening up again with 2 goals for Reuben and 2 goals from Dylan, who was playing in midfield for a change taking us to 6-0. Teddy was again frustrated on from a goal with a few attempts saved or blocked.
Kiran was again called to action in the final minutes of the game with Star Strike losing a little concentration and out of shape giving them a chance. But great saves kept our first clean sheet in a number of matches.
A well-earned man of the match today was Jokubas, battling in midfield with some awesome tackles, runs, corners and strikes on goal, unfortunately not getting one over the line today though despite his best efforts.
Another great win today from the Star Strike boys with big efforts all round, a number of areas for us to practice in training though this week, including estimating how far the opponents can throw a ball! The team continues to grow together and the positive matches are building confidence in the team.
Players: Ezra (Captain), Reuben, Teddy, Kiran (GK) Dylan, Jake, Jokubas, Cameron, Pharen, Daniel Man of the Match: Jokubas Goalscorers: Ezra (2), Reuben (2), Dylan (2)
