By Jason Howes
OlLLY was immense upfront, chasing everything down, scoring different types of goals and winning the penalty. Jack was a rock at RB, nothing going past him. His positioning, his determination was incredible. Elliott was the oppositions choice, scored two and dominated the left hand side. His wing play today was excellent. I could go on and on about all three.
Pre-match Talk: Today I spoke about getting back on track and again I spoke about expected energy levels. I wanted to attack this game against what we knew would be tough opponents. We had a little change of system and starting line-up. I told the boys about believing in themselves.
Game Time: We started the way I hoped we would and on the front foot with good levels of energy. In the second minute we got a corner. Elliott delivered a great ball into the box which was scrambled by both sets of players. It then fell to Olly who made no mistake scoring from close range. Score: 1-0. Goal: Olly. We were looking strong and for the next 5-10 minutes we played a lot on the front foot. The game went into a bit of a lull and we switched off for a brief second and on around the 25th minute we conceded a penalty. Their striker stepped up confidently not knowing what he was facing. He struck it well to their left but Gabriel was down quickly to pull off yet another fantastic penalty save.
It gives us so much reassurance to know we have Gabriel in goal. His presence between the sticks is incredible. On the 30th minute Jacob set off again down the right. He then played a ball into Dylan who drove into the box and played a square ball across the six yard box. Olly pounced to score a great striker’s goal. Score: 2-0 Goal: Olly Assist: Dylan
We then dominated the rest of the half and took us to half time with a good 2-0 lead. Half time: Half highlight: Gabriel’s fantastic penalty save.
Half Time talk: A lot of the half time team talk was around the terminology of whether or not Olly was ‘on’ a hat-trick. . So I said let’s make sure he gets a hat-trick. Back to focus, the message was calm and clear, keep the intensity up and driving forward with quicker passing play.
Second Half: We started the second half just like we did the first half – on the front foot. We were quicker in the press across all areas of the pitch and our link up play was as good as it’s been all season. Our midfield today was excellent. Elliott, Jacob, Oliver, Jake, Ryan, Karam, Bradley. Their energy levels were top, not only that but their determination was incredible.
On the 40th minute Jack won yet another tackle and dribbled forward playing in Jake. Jake, in turn, pushed further forward and played a ball into Olly. Olly received the ball on the bounce and from just inside the 18 yard box he lobbed the keeper. What a beautiful finish after great team build up. What a way to seal your hat-trick. Score: 3-0, Goal: Olly, Assist: Jake.
Our defence really stood firm today. Cassius, George, Lewis and Jack were brilliant throughout the game. They were intercepting play, winning tackles and playing good balls into midfield. On the 45th minute another attack saw Olly battling defenders in the box. Olly was pushed to the ground and we were awarded a deserved penalty. Elliott stepped up and made no mistake smashing the net from 12 yards. Score: 4-0 Goal: Elliott, Penalty win: Olly
For the next 20 minutes we continued to play some brilliant football. Our forward line of Dylan and Olly ran the opposition ragged today. They linked up brilliantly with midfield and were brave driving forward. On the 65th minute we won a free kick from approx. 30 yards out. Elliott struck a lovely high looping ball towards goal and the height was too much for the keeper who struggled to get to the ball convincingly and it crossed the line for our fifth of the day. Score: 5-0. Goal: Elliott (from free kick).
We saw the game out to full time for a well deserved win. Full time: 5-0
Half highlight: Our third goal. What a way for Olly to seal his hat-trick.
Full Time Message: That was the reaction I was expecting from a team of Warriors. I said there could have been 14 MOTMs awarded today. The way they played with heart, determination and togetherness was just brilliant. Super proud of them. Further thoughts: Today we continued to learn about our play, about our diversity of play and our players. We know we missed key players again today and it is exciting to think what we can go on to achieve this season by sticking together. Thank You for your support again. It’s massively appreciated.
Oranges Final Score: Warriors 5 – 0 Gateshead Fell.
Oranges Team: Gabriel, Jack, Cassius, George, Lewis, Jacob, Jake, Oliver, Olly, Dylan, Elliott, Bradley, Ryan, Karam Goals: Olly x 3 Elliott x2 Assists: Dylan x 1 Jake x 1 MOTM: Olly Jack Elliott How on earth do you pick a MOTM today?
