Report

Layton Blues 6-1 Kirkham
The early kick off at Kirkham certainly didn't effect our performance. At the start of the match our aim was to get the ball down and pass as quickly as possible. It's great to see a player beat several opponents and unleash a stunning shot on goal, but how often does this happen? Once a match if we're lucky. In training we have been working a lot on quick, short passes in a confined pitch with a maximum of 3 touches in possession. Not only does this build up confidence on the ball and passing ability it also makes the team without the ball work very hard to win it back.
For spells today we could see the training put into practice during the match. Some of the short passing across the middle was a pleasure to watch. This drew Kirkham players in and allowed us to expand the play out to the wings. Nathan, Kieran and George were fantastic on the ball and passed around Kirkham on many occasions. Out wide Jaydan and Jack Webster were a constant threat.
Our first goal came about when Brent cut inside his marker and fired home to score his first goal for the Blues. His second followed shortly afterwards when Jaydan cut in from the left and crossed for Brent to slot home from close range.
Defensively we were very sound. Luke T and Andrew snuffed out most of Kirkhams chances with Liam sweeping up behind them when called upon. A lot of our good play also started from the back with Jenson and Alan feeding the midfield to good effect numerous times. Another pleasing aspect that has developed from training was the number of times we were prepared to check back when a good forward ball wasn't on. Again this shows how much the lads are listenimg to the coaches.
Just before half time Liam pulled off a fine save from a Kirkham free kick, just managing to tip it over the bar. HT 2-0.

We made a couple of changes at half time, Luke B slotted into the middle and JT came in at back, pushing Jenson up to right midfield. The football continued to flow but quite a bit of play got scruffy in the middle which allowed us to show our fighting qualities. Amid the battles there was a great pass from Jenson to Jaydan who finished well to make it 3-0. Kirkham to their credit continued to push forward and grabbed a goal back when we failed to clear a corner. 3-1.
The next few minutes of the match became crucial and we had to battle hard to keep our lead. Connor came on at the back and was as dominant as ever. In patches we continued to play some great football and some gaps began to appear in the home defence. George broke from defence and surged forward right to their 18 yard box where he fed Jaydan who scored his second with aplomb. Luke T latched onto a good through ball and after his shot was saved Nathan fired in the rebound. The game was now over as a contest and our 6th goal from Jack Webster was the icing on the cake. The 6-1 final score was harsh on Kirkham who battled well throughout.

I wouldn't go as far as to say it was a brilliant match but there were periods of brilliant play. Some of our passing was of the highest level. We keep telling them it easier to pass a ball than run with it. They must then not admire what they have done but move for a return or to make space for others. They do appear to be listening so well done to all of you.

Parents award went to Brent and Managers went to Kieran. A very tough decision today with several other players in contention with Nathan, Jenson, Jaydan and Andrew all putting excellent performances.
Well done everybody for a great all round performance.