U8 Calcio Select - Opponent
After a close encounter, Calcio ended up on the wrong side on an 11-7 scoreline against Leeds Riverside Elite, in a game that could have gone either way.
Calcio started the first third very strongly, with two goals from Grayson - the first assisted by Will, the second a long range strike following an interception - putting us 2-0 up. However, Leeds Riverside Elite came back into the game wand took the lead with three quick goals, before Grayson completed a first third hattrick, this time assisted by Max. Arguably, we were unlucky to go into the break at 3-3, as we were the better side with far more chances.
The second third was a tighter affair. Strong defending from both sides limited chances, and Robin made some fantastic saves in net, including a full stretch dive that wouldn't have looked out of place in the Premier League. Despite this, two quick goals conceded put us behind, though Grayson added his fourth of the game - again assisted by Max - to leave the game 5-4 heading into the final third.
It's fair to say that the score of the final third didn't quite reflect the story of the half, with Leeds Riverside Elite scoring several goals back-to-back in scrappy and unfortunate situations, such as a shot that was careering wide hitting one of our players and deflecting through the goalkeeper's legs. Despite this, Calcio kept playing to the end, and scored three lovely goals: two for Robin, and a fifth of the day for Grayson; Will bagged two assists. Obviously we don't want to lose 11-7, though with chances at both ends, the scoreline could have been higher, too, with Martin bravely making several blockages and saves when 1v1, and the Leeds Riverside Elite goalkeeper stopping some shots that seemed destined for the corners.
All in all, a positive performance, where the players definitely took on board what we asked of them, with great bravery on the ball and desire to work back and pick up a player, which has improved dramatically over the past few weeks. There were great performances across the pitch, with Grayson scoring five, and Robin two, while Will grabbed three assists and Max two. Beyond that, though, it would be wrong not to mention Luca's great movement and ability to take on a man, which contributed to at least two goals, while Martin displayed his terrific ability with the ball at his feet, and Ted won the ball back perhaps more than any other player on the pitch.
Next week is a 10am kick off against Selby Town, so if everyone could meet for 9:40, that would be fantastic.
