Boys U13's Thunder - GNP

First pre season game Vs GNP

Stockton Thunder started with Zack in goal, Yaz, William and Jack in defence, Ethan, Austin, Oliver, Reuben in midfield and Mason upfront.

Stockton made a confident start with the ball quickly finding Mason and then being slipped into wide areas for Reuben and Ethan. A deflected shot from the edge of the box saw GNP take the lead but Thunder were undeterred.

The boys stuck to the game plan and Austin repeatedly received the ball in attacking positions and looked to thread it through to his attacking team mates.

Changes at 15 saw Harry and Archie come on and Ben came in to make his Thunder debut! Some smart interceptions and passes out wide from Yaz were creating good possession down the right and this bore fruit when Mason was able to cooly slot the ball across the box for Harry to calmly finish at the back post.

HT 1-1

Austin, Reuben and Ethan returned to the pitch with Archie and Ben shifting into defence.

GNP enjoyed some good moments at the begining of the second half as Thunder took time to resettle into the game. In this more balanced period Oliver's pressing in midfield and Jack's tenacious defending were vital.

As the game reached the last 10 spaces started to open up and chances increased. Austin, who has been encouraged to take some shots at half time, forced a good save from the visiting keeper and Harry was almost able to convert the rebound. A fine piece of skill saw Archie free himself down the wing to cross dangerously and Reuben was able to finish the move. GNP had some moments on the break and Zack made some smart stops at his near post to preserve the scoreline. Austin secured the victory with a dribble into the box and a composed strike into the corner.

FT 3-1

An excellent team performance avd a great building block for the rest of preseason and beyond.

PPOTM: Archie - created numerous chances through great crosses, worked hard on and off the ball including some excellent defensive work.

CPOTM: Harry - important to remember Harry is still working his way back from a long term injury. His work rate was excellent all game and he took his goal really well