Report

Layton Blues v YMCA

Firstly we would like to apologise to the 2 players who we were unable to get onto the pitch today. This is only the second time we have been in this situation, but because of the close nature of the match we thought it would of been unwise to make too many changes towards the end of the game.

Today we returned to Common Edge but fortunately the conditions were much better than last week and were more conducive to good football. It was always going to be a tough game against a YM team who had won all of their league matches so far. Our instuctions to the boys were to battle hard and be as incisive without the ball as we try to be with it.
Our play was encouraging from the off and we didn't give YM any time to settle on the ball. George and Kieran were magnificent throughout not only disrupting play but also being instrumental in all our work going forward. After a spell of pressure we won a corner that Alan swung in, the keeper failed to cope with it and it found its way into the net. 1-0.
YM played some good football from the back, passing the ball well through midfield. Jaydan and Brent worked tirelessly, defending from the front but also creating a couple of chances for themselves. Our main cause for concern was defending freekicks and corners which we were struggling to clear. YM had 2 or 3 that flew right across our area. It was from one such freekick that YM equalised. Once again it was allowed to bounce and one of their forwards deflected it past Liam.1-1.
We didn't let this set back unsettle us and we pushed forward again. Kieran hit the bar from long range and Brent had a shot blocked. Just before half time Jaydan burst through and his shot squirmed past the keeper. 2-1. YM continued to push forward and our defence had to be resolute. JT and Jack Wrigley remained strong and Liam dealt well with a couple of long range shots and crosses. HT 2-1.
Half time team talk was full of praise for our efforts but we had to stress the importance of defending free kicks and corners better. The second half followed the same pattern as the first, both teams battling hard but also trying to play good football. Harry played Jaydan in a couple of times but to no avail. Jenson worked hard on the right and linked up well with kieran to create another chance. The game became quite open but we were creating the clearer chances but couldn't score our third. Five minutes from time YM equalised from another freekick. 2-2.
Both teams spurned late chances but coudn't find a winner. FT 2-2.
Overall a very satisfying point but just a shame we couldn't hold on for the 3. Both teams showed 100% commitment and it was a good game to watch. A lot of positives can be taken from the game with some fine individual performances.
MOTM awards were very difficult but went to our 2 centre halfs, Andy (managers) and Luke T (parents). Well done again lads, keep up the hard work.

PS The referees assessor was there today having heard fine reports about our linesman seven days ago. He left disappointed as last week was a one off performance. Normal service was resumed today by our resident linesman following injury, cheers Pete. (still think you may be a couple of weeks off full fitness though)