The TVFC Under 12 team played both Sale Green and Sale White in the first two weeks of the 2014 GSL season. The first of the two matches was played in Sale and it was a race to get all players registered prior to the relatively early start to the season. However, once on the park, the Trafalgar team experienced first-hand the vast difference between small sided football and the full pitch version of the game. Where the Sale team were spread and structured, the Trafalgar team were clumped and out positioned.
Sale jumped the Trafalgar team in the first half and had scored 3 goals by the midway point of the first half. Thankfully Josh got the team on the board with a glorious strike over the Sale goal keeper, following a lovely through ball from Michael. The second half was a carbon copy of the first with Sale once again scoring a further 3 goals before Josh finished a lovely long bomb pass from Michael to score Trafalgar’s second goal.
Whilst the Sale team were won the match convincingly there was little separating the two teams in terms of fitness and skill. In fact it was Trafalgar who looked more threatening as each half progressed.
New recruits Jackson, Jacob and Kate made an impressive start with the club. Jackson has a strong left foot, good defensive skills and a passion for the game. Jacob has great speed, excellent endurance and great ball control. Whilst Kate has deceptive strength for her size and can kick the ball a mile.
Flynn played an excellent match up front. He not only looked threatening in attack but defended grandly to ensure the ball wasn’t turned over easily. Michael too generated many scoring opportunities and served some delightful passes to his team mates.
The reliable midfield of Ben, Rhys and Haylea played extremely well and moved the ball well along the respective wings. A special mention also must be made of Tristan’s efforts in goals. There were many good signs for the team, yet many valuable lessons to be learnt.
The second match, played at Trafalgar, demonstrated the team’s capacity to learn from past experiences. With this week’s training focussing upon defensive techniques and pitch positions, the team looked much more balanced and collectively they moved the ball much more effectively throughout the match.
It was Rhys, capitalising upon great offensive pressure, who scored the first goal of the match when he calmly took on the Sale goalie and converted for a 1-0 lead. Despite numerous forward advances and much pitch dominance, the team took only a 1-0 lead into the half time break
In the second, the Trafalgar kids converted their game possession into much needed goals. For the second time in a week Josh scored two goals. This young striker is worth watching and played a blinder of a game. His evasive skills enough to impress league best and fairest and TVFC club president Dylan Wyatt upon the side lines. After setting up several forward attacks, Jackson himself found the back of the net with a lovely left foot conversion. Not to be outdone, Michael also joined in on the act by dancing around four Sale defenders before drawing a penalty for his troubles. He calmly took the shot and blasted the ball into the back of the net. The final result was a convincing 5-0 win to the home team.
This was a great win for the team and one which promises much when the season returns after the Easter break. Players, parents and coaches alike were delighted with the manner in which the team played and every player made a contribution towards the overall result.
The team now has the rest of the school holidays to enjoy before next they take to the pitch again. Thanks to Kelly for taking on the role as team manager and for the numerous parents who assisted as the referee Assistant, team marshal and canteen workers. Training will be as normal for Tuesday 8th April a Thursday 10th April.
