U12 Blacks vs Yorkshire RTC
UFCA U12 Blacks 2 – 4 Yorkshire RTC
Location: Bodington - Pitch 2
Kick off: 9am
A highly competitive clash against a physically imposing Yorkshire RTC side. While the scoreline favoured the visitors, the performance levels from the Blacks suggested a draw would have been a much fairer reflection of the play.
First Half: The Set-Piece Struggle
The opening half-hour was a tactical battle, but the deadlock was broken by the visitors in the 30th minute. Similar to last week’s frustrations, loose marking at a corner allowed RTC to go 1-0 up. Just four minutes later, the lead was doubled in identical fashion—another corner and another lapse in organisation resulting in a 0-2 deficit.
However, the response from UFCA was immediate and brilliant. In the 37th minute, Joshua showcased incredible persistence down the right wing, driving to the by-line and fizzing a cross in for Max Ramsden. Max’s initial goal-bound shot was parried by the keeper, but Joshua had followed his run perfectly to sneak in and cleverly finish the rebound.
Second Half: The Comeback & The Injury Blow
The momentum was with the Blacks as we pushed for the equaliser. On 45 minutes Harry was forced off with a painful injury after being struck by the ball in a sensitive area, forcing an unplanned reshuffle that briefly unbalanced the side.
Despite the disruption, the quality of our passing eventually told. In the 66th minute, Ruben spotted a gap and threaded a superb ball through the RTC midfield into the path of Max Ramsden. Max made no mistake, finishing clinically to bring the game level at 2-2.
The Closing Stages: Lessons Learned
With the game on a knife-edge, the final ten minutes proved costly. In the 74th minute, we gifted RTC possession from a our own free-kick deep in our half, allowing RTC to capitalise and reclaim the lead by springing a quick attack on us and exploiting the space. As we pushed high for a late equalizer, a final break from the visitors—aided by a lapse in the offside line—saw them add a fourth.
Coach’s View
"A tough one to take because, for the most part, we gave a very strong RTC side an excellent game. We handled their physical presence well, but we were punished for 'gifting' them goals. Two from corners and two from unforced errors in risky areas—all of which were avoidable.
That said, the football we played to get back to 2-2 was top-drawer. Aiden earned Player of the Match for a fearless performance in goal; his bravery to fly off his line and make a goal-saving tackle in the box was a massive highlight."
Standout Performances
- Aiden (POTM): Command of his area, quick off his line, and vital interventions.
- Joshua: Constant threat on the wing and a poacher's instinct for his goal.
- Max Ramsden: Excellent movement and a well-taken equaliser.
- Ruben: Provided the "assist of the match" with a line-breaking pass.
Next Up: Forza (Away). Another big test, but plenty of positives to take into the training this week!
