U15 Yellows 25/26 - Matlock Town U15s
UFCA U15 Yellows vs Matlock Town
It was certainly a tough start to the game, particularly in the first half against a robust pressing Matlock side. UFCA were under pressure from the first whistle being forced to defend deep.
Matlock combined their direct style with some decent possession based football. Matlock were a constant threat from balls into the box and shots from distance. The yellows competed and stood firm until around the 30 minute mark. Matlock managed to break the deadlock with a well worked cross from wide which was met by a thumping header to make it 1-0.
Matlock’s tails were now up increasing the pressure on the Yellows back line. Another ball into the box saw first contact from UFCA which was met by a Matlock player unleashing an impressive strike into the roof of the net for 2-0. A third goal quickly followed. UFCA once again attempted to defend the box. Unfortunately the ball fell kindly to a blue shirt, with the Matlock player walking onto another powerful strike to increase the lead to 3-0.
At the break we spoke about the reality of U15’s Football, and the importance of showing the courage to keep running and competing for each other. The message was heard loud and clear with Logan Kingswood looking to play with composure and substitutes Grayson Priestley and Reggie Brown defending with aggression and determination.
It didn’t take long for UFCA to create our own luck. Capitalising on a mistake, Will Olunuga energetically chased down the Matlock back line and was rewarded with a goal on 52 minutes.
Ollie Burnett, also on as second half substitute showed real courage to take the ball under pressure. Recognising when to release the ball in advanced areas, Oli showed his quality and was able to set a number of attacks.
The flow of the match had now changed and Matlock realised they were in a game. Around 56 minutes, once again, Will Olunuga chased what seemed like a lost cause. On recovering the ball close to the by-line, Will calmly rolled the ball across the goal mouth which was met by the superb late run of Alfie Glancy for a tap in.
At 3-2 Matlock were under pressure as UFCA started to find some rhythm late in the game. Just as an equaliser seemed to be on the cards, Matlock managed to go against the flow of the game. On around 68 minutes, the Yellows efforts to get back into the match were cruelly undone by a wicked deflected goal making it 4-2 to Matlock.
The yellows continued to show energy and determination in the final minutes creating a couple more attacks. Unfortunately the boys were unable to create any further clear cut chances.
A resilient display, lots to be proud of. Always lots to work on.
