Round 11 - U15 A Boys

U15A Glen Waverley vs Doncaster Rovers 26th July

On a dry sunny day it was good to be out in the sunshine if you could find a place out of the wind. Rovers started without Chris S and Matt D out injured, as well as Elliott playing with a cold and Matt V had a sore hip. At least the ground was dry and favoured the more skillful style of play.
We began with Luke in goal, York was sweeping, Chris T and Daniel were playing as twin Central Defenders whilst Steve and Matt V were playing as wide wing backs on the left and right respectively. Nik was the Central Midfielder, flanked by Drew on the right and Alex on the left with Mitch and Michael as twin strikers.
Rovers started with the wind and soon had play going their way with some good passing between players all over the field. GW went forward but Rovers repelled and soon Drew passed to Michael who flicked over to Mitch who ran at the goalie to put our first on the board after 3 minutes. This was a good result as GW were really content on throwing all their players back bar one forward and just defending at all costs.

The next 30 minutes of the half were probably the most boring of the season, not from a Rovers perspective, as our fluid passing to feet and movement off the ball was great to watch, but GW were intent on defending with 10 players and relying on their three good players to force the ball wide at all costs. When GW went forwards the ball was easily mopped up by our defense with Luke “cool hand” in goal and York, Daniel, Chris T and Steve easily repelling any forward moves.
Maybe it was the late night at the Rovers Trivia Quiz but I swear I counted 15 yawns along the boundary in the first half. Rovers were committed to playing a good brand of football whereas GW were only involved in the game.
How can I explain this better?
It’s like having bacon and eggs for breakfast.
The pig is committed, but the chicken is only involved!!
If you think this is bad, well just try listening to John Palomares jokes before a game!!

Half-time score: Glen Waverley 0 : Rovers 1

At the resumption GW had the wind but Rovers controlled the midfield. Again passing and movement off the ball was a feature from Rovers. We finally opened the GW defense when Nik won a ball in Midfield and sent a quick through pass to Alex, who was being closed down by three chasing defenders. Alex calmly controlled the ball and rifled the ball into the back of the net with the GOAL of the DAY!! It was nice to have the 2 goal buffer as GW threatened several times and almost had the crowd waking up at times, but on each occasion our defense, lead solidly by York, were up to the task.
Dion, Nick and Elliott came on to give our wounded players a rest, as Doncaster controlled the game tempo with good passing mostly to the feet and some promising forward thrusts with Nik, Alex, Dion and Elliott in the play but we could not find the opening.
Towards the end of the half again Alex beat two men and passed to Dion who had a moment to shoot as the keeper closed. The ball deflected off the keeper and just missed the far post. I only counted 10 yawns in this half.
Who would want to live in Glen Waverley if this brand of soccer is any guide. Stick to Doncaster and surrounds if you want to have a life!!


Scores at full-time: Glen Waverley 0 : Doncaster Rovers 2

ROVERS –next week we play Whitehorse and a top position is up for grabs.
GRAB IT!!