The 9th March 2014 arrived at long last! After around a year of planning, the first game of the NPL U13 season was here: away against Floreat Athena. Although the U13 team itself has only been together for about two weeks and with some behind the scenes changes, the boys were feeling fairly confident after their recent ‘friendly’ win.
The weather was on the warm side of perfect. A few nerves in the team were quickly turned into adrenalin at the starting whistle.
Early on, a couple of mistakes from both sides can be expected; it’s a new league, with two new teams, new clubs, coach, manager and new bright yellow, and clean, gear!
The IUSC boys took advantage of a few early mistakes by Floreat and were on the attack straight away, and the first goal was in the net after just 6 minutes. Great work by Moni (10), who continued to put the pressure on during the whole game! The first goal of the season, and the tempo changed immediately, Floreat moving up a gear in response to being down a goal so early.
Davor (5) led a series of forward moves, supported by Sam (3) and Conor (7). A couple of misses had the audience “ooo” ing and “Arrrhh”ing. Adam (9) was great running up the wing to attack their goal.
With the ball staying in Floreat’s half most of the time, their defence tightened up, and our defence was put under a series of attacking moves. Connor B (20) and Ellis (11) taking on whatever was put in the way! In the 18 yard box Floreat chipped over the keeper Matt (1) who stumbled, and the ball, unbelievably went in! The score now, was 1 all. It’s a tough life in goal, but Matt (1) kept his net secure, and cleared the ball effectively during goal kicks and corners.
Our second goal resulted from a free kick, taken by Davor (5), fumbled by their keeper, falling to Connor (20) to tap in at 28 minutes. The game was now tense and had become an exciting opening match.
There were more moments when the audience jumped, as a series of shots at goal went unrewarded. A couple of headers and volley’s that will surely go in next time, as the team skills are developed during the season. The Floreat team were under attack right up until the half time whistle. Harman (8) worked the line, his big throws and kicks seeking out the best advantage. The opposition trying to keep him marked, but not keeping up. Great play!
A goal from Davor (5) at 46 minutes resulted from a fast run down the centre, avoiding the incoming defence, and after a couple of fancy moves around the goal keeper, hit the ball in to an open goal!
IUSC were now 3:1 up, but were certainly not giving up. They went for more goals, but unfortunately the finishing skills didn’t match their attacks, and they went unrewarded; the ball going over the bar, and straight to the goalie. Floreat bolstered by their defence skills, tried to get the ball into their opponents half, but 3 -1 down, they must have wondered what else to do.
The opposition sensing the end of the game kept going with strong and determined counter attacks. But each was effectively taken on particularly by Voltaire (14) and Pratik (2).
These Floreat players will be a force to be reckoned with as the season progresses.
Just before the end, Jesse (6) took a great ball passed from the IUSC half, took a run down the wing chased by one defender, who had at least three ‘tackle’ attempts. His run took the ball to the goal, for a cross, return from an attacker and in.
The final result 1:4 to IUSC. Well done boys and coaches!.
Match report thanks to Marcus Cattani
09.03.2014
Marcuscattani@gmail.com
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