The TVFC Under 12 team took on the 3rd placed East Gippsland United FC Blue team in their Round 11 GLS clash at Trafalgar on the weekend. The match started extremely well for Trafalgar with the team settling into a good pattern and style of play. The midfield was transferring the ball well and the defence holding strong. Michael Judd opened the day’s scoring with an attempted pass that was missed by the Trafalgar strikers and the East Gippsland goalie alike. Much to the surprise of both teams it was Trafalgar leading 1-0.
In only a matter of minutes Michael scored a second goal courtesy of a nice run along the backline. He stepped inside the defensive line and converted nicely on his right foot. No luck needed with this convincing strike. With the score line reading 2-0 Trafalgar’s way the team looked full of confidence and ready to attack.
There were many moves down the right side of the park with Jaynie, Jacob and Halyee linking well along the flank. Rhys was playing a great game on the left side of the park also, linking well with both Drew and Flynn. Unfortunately the EGUFC team caught TVFC out twice towards the end of the first half to level the match at 2 goals apiece.
The second half wasn’t as even on the scoreboard with EGUFC scoring a further 6 goals to TVFC’s 1. Numerous goals came from defensive errors and much was learnt by the young and inexperienced Trafalgar back line. Through it all, goalie Luke Ibbotson stood tall making numerous courageous saves. He is improving with every game and is most certainly one to watch in the near future.
The team never gave up and importantly played the match out with their heads held high. Michael scored a third and final goal in the second half to give him his first hat-trick for the season. TVFC indeed have sufficient changes to close the gap, but were a little unlucky in front of goals. Had leading goal scorer Josh been available, the game would have indeed been somewhat closer.
The final score line was 8-2 to EGUFC Blue. But the TVFC kids certainly took the match to the visiting team for the first half and were competitive throughout. A most pleasing effort from a fast improving team.