Match Report: 12.03.2023 2 pm Arden Forest Greens Home, U7 Development Cup
After a week of turbulent weather, (culminating in the schools being off on Friday) to get the game on today was a real turnaround!!
Having played the Greens previously and drawn having dominated the game with 5 players, we knew we had a score to settle. Therefore it was fantastic to see the lads starting with such rigour! Our new skipper Pricey chose to shoot up the hill and we talked about ensuring we lay a glove on the goal at the top end.
We stuck with our square formation – placing James and Elijah at the head of our attack. Poulters bought assurance starting alongside Brookesy and we looked like a dominant force, so it was no surprise when Elijah cut through their defence to score the opening goal, finishing high into the left of the goal.
Some changes unsettled us slightly but it didn’t stop us threatening their goal – having better possession, more shots/chances. Dunners and Elijah battled well at the back to restrict chances on our goal with Arch commanding his goal well and making a few decent blocks.
Near the end of the first half, Dunners made a great run down the right and his cross-come-shot was misjudged by their GK, squeezing in of the near post from range to give the Navys the lead with a few mins of the first half to go.
We talked about getting the next goal in the second half and the lads did not disappoint. James’ perfectly weighted corner was volleyed home by Archie with the goal of the season contender!
Like last week that lifted our opposition who raised their own efforts. Some great blocks and saves by Poulters keep them at bay until AFG broke in numbers to defy DPO’s bravery to close the deficit. We asked for the lads to shot grit and determination and they didn’t let us down, defending superbly for the remainder of the half. As the time ran out, the ball went for a corner. Rather than playing it short the resulting corner fell clear for them to run on. Despite getting a clear toe on the ball, their striker fell out having run into DPO and the young ref gave a 42nd-minute penalty. AFG captain smashed it home and for the 2nd time this season we threw away our dominant position to draw the game.
The game went onto penalties, with AFG winning on pens.
Overall the Navys have to be incredibly proud of themselves again. We played the dominant part in the battle between Two great sides. We could not have done any more #COYN
FT: DRAW – AFG WINS ON PENS
Goals: Elijah, Dunners, Archie
MOTM: Elijah
POTW: Dunners