Boys U16 (2010) Major 1 - Arlington AFC
What a cracker of a game that was! During the warm-up, I actually warned the boys that their heads didn't look like they were in it and predicted we’d be a goal down within two minutes. While that unfortunately came true, and conceding uncontested headers is definitely something we also need to sharpen up on, the response from the lads afterwards was top-notch. In the past, we might have let our heads drop after going two down so quickly, but today they showed massive heart. They dug in, backed each other up, and clawed it back to 2-2, only for Arlington to edge ahead 3-2 just before the break.
It was a huge contrast to the last time we played them when we only had eleven players and naturally tired out. Having fourteen today made a massive difference. Even though Arlington had a squad of 24 and a bench of thirteen subs constantly rotating in, our lads matched their energy every step of the way. We had a few moments of indiscipline that we'll need to iron out, but the commitment was undeniable.
The second half was a proper end-to-end battle. Every time Arlington pulled ahead, we found an answer, eventually drawing level at 4-4 before they snatched a fifth. One of our goals was absolute quality, featuring short passing movements from the midfield in our half, moving through the wing, before a clinical finish from our striker. The final twenty minutes were intense and scoreless, full of crunching tackles and chances for both sides. Fionn was immense at the back, dealing with awkward high balls and showing real distance with his kickouts.
The real story today wasn't the scoreline, but the fact that we never stopped chasing. It was a testament to how hard-fought this was that the Arlington players and sideline cheered so loudly at the final whistle. They wouldn’t have celebrated like that if it had been a comfortable evening, so they were clearly relieved to get over the line. If we can just find a way to start with that fire instead of playing catch-up, we’ll be a very dangerous side. Well done to all the lads on a massive shift.
I'd also like to thank all the parents and siblings for their roars of encouragement and general positivity from the sidelines. I think it really helped the lads keep their heads up and legs moving, and would be more than welcome every week.
