By Coach Jason
Prematch message: The message today was all about working hard, playing for each other and enjoy playing together as a team.
Game: We started the game really well trying to get on the front foot. We were in a few cluster areas where we struggled to get the ball out of our feet but when we did our passing and moving was fantastic and so good to watch. In the 7th minute, we had pinned the opposition back in there 18 yds box, after a scramble the ball fell to Elliott, who lobbed it over the keeper and into the top corner, a great finish. 1 – 0.
Again, as the half progressed we continued to work hard. The opposition made a real honest game of it and made us work really hard. We were riding our luck at times but always looked in control. Our counter attacking was excellent showing our transitions from defence, to attack were very effective. We had to remain solid at the back and our defence made sure of that. Cassius, Lewis, George and Teddy worked tirelessly to keep the opposition attackers at bay.
Our midfield today bossed the game and were key. Elliott, Dylan, Bradley, Ryan and Oliver worked so hard and showed to be a strong link when attacking and supporting our defence. On the 25th minute a fantastic transition saw Elliott receive the ball from defence and push forward, he then played a great ball splitting the defence, which Olly HN ran onto. Olly HN ran goal ward with determination and once inside the box smashed the ball past the keeper into the back of the net for a well deserved goal. 2-0.
Half time was approaching and we still were managing to create chances and Olly HN was causing the opposition defenders lots of problems.
Half Time: 2-0 Team Talk: The message at half time was an easy one as I told the boys how well they were playing but making sure they understood that they still needed to keep working harder and harder.
Second Half: We had some fresh legs to liven up our play and keep our work rate high. Jacob was making some great runs and was almost rewarded with a goal. Karam, Jack and Kailym worked so hard slotting into midfield. Olly HL returned after his injury and was a rock in defence, making two crucial clearances and a phenomenal tackle in the box. We had another solid half and on another day, would have scored more goals.
We were awarded one penalty and could have easily had another as Elliott was thought to be fouled in the box but the ref recorded it was just outside. Again, our transitions and counter attacking was very effective and dangerous throughout the game. With the reach of Gabriel’s distribution we always looked effective and really pinned the opposition back. We were really stretching the opposition in our attacks and had some great open play. When we were able to get the ball under control and pass and move we looked incredible. The boys’ efforts were rewarded as we saw the game out to the end. Getting a well deserved win and clean sheet
Final score: Warriors 2 – 0 Hebburn Team: Gabriel, Teddy, George, Cassius, Lewis, Bradley, Ryan, Oliver, Dylan, Olly HN, Elliott, Olly HL, Jack, Jacob, Karam, Kailym Goals: Elliott x1, Olly HN x1 Assists: Elliott x1 MOTM: Elliott
