U12 Yellows 25/26 - GT Sport

A frustrating result but a very encouraging performance from the UFCA U12s Yellows, who narrowly lost 3–2 to GT Sport in a game that showed just how far this group has come.

We were cruising up to half time and looked the most comfortable we have all season in possession. Our build-up play was calm, confident, and controlled, and for long periods we dictated the tempo of the game. The boys moved the ball well, made good decisions, and played with real maturity. They also could not handle the intensity in which we pressed their back line with for 40 minutes forcing errors leading to chances.

Defensively, there were plenty of positives. Jake in goal stayed switched on throughout, even though he wasn’t tested too heavily for long spells, and showed good focus and concentration when called upon. For me I think Freddie Lloyd was and continues to be a standout game to game, stepping in from full back and looking increasingly comfortable on the ball, whilst also appearing unbeatable in 1v1 situations. That confidence has clearly spread right through the team.

The second half proved more challenging. We were hard done by with a refereeing decision when Prince was clearly hit in the face, but we cannot afford to stop and focus on decisions. We have to play through moments like that, as difficult as it can be.

I also take full responsibility for the changes I made, which I feel disrupted our rhythm and made the game more difficult for us. That said, it’s important that everyone continues to get equal minutes, and that remains a priority.

Despite this, the performance level stayed high. Tommy W got on the scoresheet with one – almost two – very well taken goals, showing great composure in front of goal. The other goal coming from Zak who has come into the group over the past few weeks and got on the scoresheet now on multiple occasions which is brilliant to see. The only real fault came with the final goal conceded, where we need to be braver and more decisive in getting out to stop the shot.

In the end, GT Sport just seemed to want it a little bit more in the key moments, and that was the difference. Overall, though, this was a very positive display. It’s a performance we can build on, even if the result didn’t reflect it.

I’m constantly scratching my head about how we turn these strong performances into results, but that responsibility sits with me, and I’ll continue working hard to find solutions. There is a lot to be optimistic about with this group.

Onto the local derby next week!