UNDER 9’s  - 22/1/06

BUSH HILL RANGERS   –v-   BOCA

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Today we were up against a well organised and aggressive team. As the game kicked off both teams showed great spirit and passion. Tackles were flying and the first chance fell for Boca but as they advanced on our goal Mitchell stood firm and cleared the ball upfield.  After some good passing in midfield Kash was unlucky not to score with our first shot. Both teams were playing well and chances were coming thick and fast at both ends. Bush Hill continued to try and pass the ball but Boca’s aggression and spoiling tactics meant that the game would not flow. I was angry at the lack of protection that the Referee was showing towards our boys. With a succession of free kicks being awarded to Bush Hill, the pressure was mounting on the Boca goal, but somehow all efforts were kept out, with a combination of good goalkeeping and pure numbers in defence.  First half finished 0-0.

At half time I told the boys that we must continue to play our football and not get sucked in by their spoiling tactics. 

The second half kicked off and once again Boca had the first attack, but today they came up against a determined defence unit with Mitchell at the heart of it, with a ‘they shall not pass’ attitude! Bush Hill’s passing and movement at times was too much for Boca, and the only way they knew how to stop it was by continually giving free kicks away. The game remained a scrappy affair.  Our belief was still there and for long periods we were camped in their area. I now know what Jose Mourinho meant when he said “They parked their team bus in front of their goal!”.  Whatever we tried it just would not go in!  Final score 0-0.

Today, I felt a combination of: frustration and pride. Frustrated with the lack of protection for skilful gifted players who try and play this game how it should be played, and Pride with the attitude and commitment shown by all the boys.  The way teams set out to play us shows that they fear us. Well Done Boys!

Today’s Man Of The Match – Mitchell – Who had ‘No Battle – No Glory!’ written all over him!