U9 Eagles 28 Jan 2012

For the second week in succession, the Eagles were on the receiving end of a scoreline that in no way reflected the balance of play. Kicking off against a Cove side that are rapidly climbing the league table after a late start to the season, the Eagles acquitted themselves admirably.

Indeed, more than that, the team dominated much of the first half. Competitive from the off, they were solid at the back, with Alisha tackling tigerishly, energetic in midfield, where Michael seemed to be everywhere, and dangerous up front, where Daniel threatened to break clear on several occasions.

The first real chance of the match fell when a cross from the right from Luke found Daniel free in the box, but he was unable to make a clean contact and the ball was cleared. Shortly afterwards, Daniel himself crossed from the right, and the ball bounced between defenders and attackers a few times, until prodded wide by… Daniel, who had followed his own cross in!

At the other end, Alisha was letting almost nothing past her, but on the few occasions that Cove managed a sight of goal, Malachy was there to clear his lines, or George saved comfortably.

Ben continued his recent good form in midfield, and played a delightful through ball to Connor, who narrowly failed to reach it with only the keeper to beat. Another through ball, this time from Michael, reached Connor, who was crowded out by defenders.

Shortly before half time, though, the Eagles were unlucky to go behind via a deflection, of the kind that nine times out of ten is safely pushed behind for a corner. Sadly, on this occasion, it sneaked the wrong side of the post.

Understandably, the goal deflated the team somewhat, and they seemed subdued going into the break.

Half time: Cove 1 – 0 Eagles

Matthew replaced George in goal at half time, allowing George to move into midfield.

In the second half, though, it was a case of more of the same. Luke and George ran hard at the Cove defence, with George regularly escaping his marker down the left wing and Luke doing likewise down the right. The Eagles earned several corners, and from them the ball pinged around in the penalty box, without anyone quite being apply to apply a decisive touch. Connor, Ben, Michael, Daniel and Luke all had chances to get a shot in at different stages, but Cove defended deep and always managed to get a body in the way of the ball.

A pass from Michael nearly sent Daniel clear, but he couldn’t quite turn his marker.

Cove then scored two counter-attacking goals in quick succession and in identical fashion, breaking quickly from Eagles corners, attacking at speed, and finishing clinically, leaving Matthew with no chance on either occasion.

In the final minute, a Cove snapshot saw Matthew save well down at the base of the near post.

Full time: Cove 3 – 0 Eagles
A strong performance in terms of possession, but the Eagles’ inability to finish off moves cost them.

Man of the Match – Michael, for an amazing all-action display.
Sportsman of the Day – Alisha, for consistently excellent closing down and tackling.