Consett Warriors v Chester le Street Gold (Cup Game Rd2)
By Jason (Coach)
Pre-Match Message: I stressed again how proud I was of the boys last week and explained that we don’t lose but we learn.
So today was simple, play with the same energy and tempo as the second half last week’s game: To be honest, the opposition started on the front foot. We seriously lacked energy. We were second to each ball and struggled to get a hold of the ball and play. We then began to get into the game, both teams went at it.
We started to attack with purpose with good balls forward. Our midfielders Elliott, Jack, Ryan, Oliver and Dylan played some great balls forward to Zach. We also looked dangerous from our corners and free-kicks by Elliott playing great balls into the box. On another day we would have scored more.
Around 15 mins into the game we lost Olly HL to injury. On came George to play alongside Cassius, Lewis and Jacob. Our defence remained solid making sure Gabriel had little to do. Although when called upon Gabriel was ready and waiting to make sure we got our first clean sheet of the season. Even though we were not at our best, on the 25th minute a ball played from George in defence was met by Oliver who slipped it through to Zach and the birthday boy pounced and smashed it into the back of the net. 1-0
I thought that would wake us up a little but we were still sluggish. However, we saw the half out comfortably. Half-time: 1-0
Team Talk: my message was honest. Wake up and play like we want to play for the Warriors. We did a couple of good plays in the first half but we are capable of so much more. More energy, more movement and control the ball and play.
Second half: It looked like the team talk worked. We saw a quicker tempo and more play on the ball, Teddy and Olly HN were linking up down the right-hand side. Bradley was solid in the middle of the park. Around 10 mins into the second half Bradley played a through ball splitting the defence. Zach sped onto it and put it past the keeper. 2-0.
At 2-0 we finally started to play with a bit more confidence. On the 50 minute mark, Olly HN made a move down the right squaring it to Zach who made no problem sealing his birthday hat trick. 3-0.
We were forcing the opposition back. Kailym played some great passes forward and Karam made no mistake preventing the opposition from getting down our left-hand side. We were now smelling the fear in the opposition. At around the 55th minute, one of our attacks fell to the keeper. Who tried to clear but instead played the ball straight to Zach who went round the keeper and slot home his and the Warriors 4th. 4-0.
The next 5-10 minutes went by in a flash. As we were seeing the game out – Elliott made a darting run down the left and played a great ball into Zach. After getting the ball under control he slipped it to Dylan who touched it away from the defender and smashed it into the back of the net. A great goal to finish off the game. 5-0.
Our MOTM, Lewis, had another great game in defence. Lewis is showing his versatility in the positions he can play and how he gives it 100% every time he steps on the pitch. Well done Lewis.
Full time 5-0 Post match message: A much better second half and we progress into the next round of the cup. I told the boys to enjoy the result and get themselves ready for a very tough game next Saturday.
Final Score: Warriors 5 – 0 Ch.-le-St. Gold
Team: Elliott, George, Lewis, Olly HL, Cassius, Zach, Gabriel, Jacob, Jack, Oliver, Ryan, Kailym, Bradley, Dylan, Teddy, Olly HN, Karam Goals: Zach x 4 Dylan x1 Assists: Oliver x1, Bradley x1, Olly HN x1, Zach x1 MOTM: Lewis
