U8 Calcio Select - Opponent
A very tightly fought game this week ended in Calcio grabbing a late winner courtesy of a fantastic Grayson strike, as the team defeated GT Sports Football Centre 7-6.
The first third started well, as the team tried to put into practice the wide attacking play that we'd worked on in training over the past few weeks. Calcio's in possession play resulted in gaining a lot of territory early on, and this territory brought the corner that delivered the first goal. A good cross in from Grayson caused a bit of chaos in the box, and Robin profited to open the scoring at the back post. This goal, however, seemed to cause Calcio to switch off somewhat, and two lapses in marking led to a lack of pressure on the ball outside the box, with both long shots finding their way through the bodies via slight deflections to put GT Sports ahead for the first time. The second goal brought a response from Calcio, as we ended the third stronger: some fantastic feet by Will creating the space for a great cross to the back post for Robin to grab his second, before completing his hattrick shortly afterwards; this time, a great save from Max came out to Martin, who expertly eliminated his man before finding a lovely pass inside to Robin, who finished calmly first time into the corner. 3-2.
The second third was again tight, as an inspired performance from the GT Sports goalkeeper kept Calcio out for the entire third, despite some decent play and lots of chances. At the other end, there was some great defending by Ted and some good saves from Robin, but two good strikes meant that Calcio went into the final third 4-3 down.
Looking to get back into the game, Calcio upped their work rate in the final third, and this was ultimately the difference as we turned around the deficit. Robin grabbed his fourth of the game for the equaliser, assisted by some good work on the edge of the box by Martin, before Calcio again fell behind, following a GT Sports interception. Calcio didn't give up, though, as Max grabbed his first of the game, as Will, the goalkeeper in the final third, played out to him, before jinking past his player and scoring from distance. It wasn't over, though, as GT Sports put their noses in front again, before Calcio finally managed to complete the turnaround, with just a minute to spare. First, some good work by Grayson on the left found Max, who unleashed a fierce shot from the touchline that powered through the goalkeeper's legs, before the game was won by Grayson with a clever interception from the GT Sports' goalkeeper's pass, and a powerful finish into the corner. Full time: 7-6.
I think it's fair to say that this week wasn't the team's best performance of the season so far, but the attitude, work rate, and desire were spot on, especially in the final third, as the team pushed to find the winner. No player typified this more than Ted, whose awareness, resilience, and bravery left him bloodied as he constantly stopped GT Sports attacks. Another example would be Will, whose great slide tackle in the middle third he was keen to point out! Moreover, Luca's decision making, and putting into practice the work of the last two weeks, was phenomenal, and players should look to emulate the way he passes and moves, creating 2v1s and space for himself and teammates. Obviously, Robin and Max should take credit for scoring 6 goals between them, while Martin's bravery to take on a player and decision making to release created two goals. But I want to finish on Grayson, who showed great character in coming on and scoring the winner, and also proving me right that he'd score the winner!
Next week we play Aspire FC, and it's a 10am kick off, so please meet at Fives at 9:30am. See you all at training on Friday!
