Sunday 13 December 2020

U12 Stockport v Brookdale

Stockport v Brookdale 05/12/20

Finally we emerged from the drudgery of lockdown into tier 3. What a relief that organised sport was once again being permitted. I think it is important to note that sport not only gives players an outlet to perform but it also gives spectators something to look forward to. I know that there are many out there that have faced significant hardship during this period and having competitive sport back is great for the soul.

As always credit to the club that pitches were ready to go as soon as the fixtures were released. There were three home fixtures on this date and it was great to see the club organised and raring to go as the car park filled up with eager participants. The weather in the preceding days had been terrible at best. Driving on Friday afternoon on the M60 was appalling with virtually no visibility and I thought at the time the fixture would be cancelled. However, Saturday morning was much improved albeit a bit chilly, the sun came creeping out at one point giving a warm glow as the year draws to a close.

The chill didn’t deter the boys as 11 of them arrived fresh and raring to go. Brookdale (Brooklands/Rochdale combined) looked a bigger side as the teams warmed up but our group have very strong core fitness and with Felix the cat in net for the second time we looked organised and up for it. It was also noted what a great group of boys this U12 side is. They are really knitting as a team and having been around the team it is a pleasure to see the good nature of all the boys shining through.

This segues nicely to the game itself.

From the off Stockport were at the races and looked organised. Passing and movement was good and Henry soon got us into a 2-0 lead. A great solo Ethan goal took it to 3-0 before Henry rattled the pipe towards the end of the quarter. It was good to see David make his debut for the team, integrating well. The Brookdale coach commented on how well we were passing the ball and every player was getting in the action. Solid work and good distribution from Felix meant we finished the first quarter on top.

The good residual fitness levels of the boys mentioned earlier caused Brookdale problems as they were prevented from having time on the ball. The boys looked like they were hunting in a pack, closing down opposition players and making it difficult for them to get any fluid attacks going.

Into Q2 we really started to stretch Brookdale. Henry and Ethan were again in the goals early. The silky skills of Tom then came to fruition with four goals from him to conclude the quarter 9-1. Damage done.

Steve changed the team around during Q3 which led to a battling Ethan bagging a couple more goals. More good news was Harrison and Jacob getting onto the score sheet. Both players deserved goals and Harrisons athleticism really shone throughout the game. The quarter ended 13-2.

More changes in Q4 followed and it was great to see Fin on the scoresheet followed by a final goal from Henry to conclude the fixture 15-3. Henry was unlucky in this quarter not to get another goal. He released a wicked shot which smacked the cross bar, bounced off and hit Fin on the helmet. David was particularly unlucky not to score on debut in this quarter.

As above, a fantastic team effort considering the team hadn’t played for several weeks. Every player should have been proud of their contribution. I’m also aware that this report focuses on mainly the attacking elements of the team. However, our defensive unit looked solid and didn’t give the opposition the time and space to create chances.

Overall, probably the best I have seen the team work together as a unit. A great win done in style, a really enjoyable watch and well done to all involved. The sun disappeared but the warm glow of victory stayed with us.
 





 

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