The Trafalgar Under 14s played Sale White in their round 8 GSL clash. Having won their previous two matches the Trafalgar team were ready to deliver another impressive performance. The match couldn’t have started any better for TVFC with Logan Winter scoring in the opening minute courtesy of a brilliant pass into the box from central attacking midfielder Michael Judd. Trafalgar, who are renowned for slow starts, were indeed out of the box and ready to play.
The team settled well and looked composed in the early stages of the game. The Trafalgar “fab 4” had the opposition forwards under control and the midfield were winning their fair share of the ball too.
As is the case in any sport, if you lapse in concentration for only a minute you can be made to pay. Sale White converted two goals from two Victory defensive mistakes in a period of ten minutes and had taken the lead 2-1.
Just before half time a lovely ball was driven by Connor Ibbotson into the box, where it was well trapped by Josh Porter. Josh got his shot away but it was deflected by the Sale defensive team. However, opportunists Jackson Clerks was alert to the opportunity and casually converted his chance to make the half time score line a respectable 2-2. A lovely goal for Jacko.
With the match up for grabs the players took to the field with everything to play for. Both teams were desperate to gain the 3 points and climb what is indeed a very even GSL divisional ladder. It was Sale who appeared to want the game more and they had scored twice in the opening ten minutes of the second half to open a strong lead 4-2.
The Trafalgar boys tried desperately to narrow the margin and had outstanding opportunities via brilliant crosses from Michael Judd and Logan Winter. Both boys delivered the ball “on a plate” to their team mates in front of goal but luck wasn’t on their side as both opportunities were squandered.
Then in the closing minutes of the match with Trafalgar pushing hard into attack, Sale once again scored on the counter attack to finish the game off 5-2. Whilst the score line would indicate a convincing win to the home team, all present appreciate the difference between the two teams was minimal. Sale had a couple of very lucky goals roll over the line, whilst Trafalgar couldn’t buy a goal at times.
Captain Stuart Beckley played a blinder of a match and has been indeed an excellent choice as team leader. His ability to make a challenge, to get his foot on a tackle and to inspire his team mates is outstanding.
Michael Judd and Joshua Porter had great games with both controlling the centre of the park convincingly. Michael worked extremely hard and made numerous runs through the centre, whilst Joshua was very strong on the ball and was involved in many forward runs. Connor Ibbotson played a great game on the wing and, as always, put his heart and soul into his game. Hamish Brace played with a lot of skill and flare to also win plenty of the ball on his wing. Jacob Holmes too continued from where he left off last match, with another very impressive performance. His second efforts have to be seen to be believed.
This was 3 points for the taking, but the match got away from the boys on this occasion. Whilst the sale team certainly didn’t outplay the Victory lads, they did take every opportunity with both hands and were therefore deserving winners on the day. The Trafalgar lads needed a little more luck, as well as a little more thought at times during the game.
Trafalgar Boys and Menswear team player award went to Stuart Beckley.
