Star Strike put to the challenge by Hucknall Sports
by Trevor Stocker
After two wins we got our reality check match against Hucknall sports this morning. The teams were well matched with scrappy passes in midfield and strong defensive work from both sides.
The match was played in an 8v8 format with Kiran in goal, Jake, Riley and Cam in defense, Teddy Ezra and Maxi midfield and Reuben up front.
The first chances came 5 minutes into the match with a beautiful cross from Teddy to Reuben for our first shot on target. The pressure mounted from the Start Strike team with a further warning shot across the goal from Ezra.
On the breakout Hucknall sports pushed into our half for a chance on goal but this was well cleared by Riley who assisted up the pitch to Ezra who scored the first goal 10 minutes into the match! A corner shortly after provided another chance for Ezra but it didn’t get over the line.
However, the first goal for Hucknall sports came shortly after, they had some quick players on the wings and one of the girls taking the throw ins had an amazing throw which caught us out a few times.
Shortly after we won a corner which was taken by Ezra and connected to Teddy, who slotted the ball over the line for his first gooooooaaal for Star Strike! It was a great celebration with the whole team for him.
At the end of the first half with the score at 2-1 it felt like we were the stronger team with the most chances.
In the second half both teams stepped up a gear which multiple chances for both sides. Our keeper Kiran with some great saves and kick’s up the pitch was supported by the back three. The first real chance came from Hucknall Sports with a great strike from outside the box coming off the bar.
The play really dominated back into the Star Strike half after this with their second goal coming a few minutes later with an awesome throw in from the halfway line making it to the box and was finished by their forwards.
It was great to see Ryan make his Star Strike debut match after practicing on Saturday mornings. Playing in midfield he had a few opportunities to get stuck in.
With more substitute players available they were able to bring on fresh legs in the second half, Hucknall Sports really ramped up the pressure on us with 3 more goals in quick succession. Our match stamina was starting to show, and the boys were getting frustrated.
As we approached the end of the second half, we had some great battles to get back up the pitch, with Pharren battling on the wings, Daniel with some little flicks on for Reuben, Teddy and Ezra to push towards the goal. Winning us two corners, both of which were taken by Ezra. The first one came off Daniel for a header just missing the goal and the second similar for Jake.
The full-time whistle seemed to come a little too early as we were starting to get the advantage again. Sadly, the match ended up at a 5-2 defeat. Teddy was awarded man of the match today following his first ever goal for Star Strike he’s really happy about that!
The team continues to grow though, and we can see the work put in during training sessions is paying off. We missed a number of players today which undoubtedly had an impact on the score line. We’d encourage all players to attend training where they can to enable us to build a bond with the boys within the team.
Players: Kiran (GK & Captain), Reuben, Teddy, Jake, Cameron, Pharren, Daniel, Ezra, Maxi, Riley, Ryan
Goalscorers: Ezra, Teddy
Man of the Match: Teddy
