Round 15 - U15 A Boys

U15A Manningham vs Doncaster Rovers 16th August

With constant rain in the preceding game combined with a muddy goal to goal line, the outlook was decidedly gloomy before the game even started. Coming off a poor performance from last week we needed to lift our game this week. Fortunately the showers cleared just before kick off so we could move out from under cover and cheer from the side line. There were a few changes with Luke in goal, York sweeping, Chris T and Daniel playing as twin Central Defenders whilst Steve and Matt V were playing as wide wing backs on the left and right respectively. Chris S was the Central Midfielder, flanked by Alex on the left and Mitch on the right with Matt D and Michael as twin strikers.
The game started with Rovers kicking down the slope and with all the play. Rovers were passing to each other and soon developed shots on goal. A good pass to Matt D from Alex and another pass to Michael opened the defence right up but Michael missed the ball in the mud. Rovers were building the pressure as Chris took a long shot that went wide then Alex took a free kick from 15 metres but the keeper just deflected it out for a corner.
Shortly after this Steve who was controlling his side of the ground with great skills made a long run and passed off to Matt D who slotted our first for the day. Another forward thrust went unrewarded when Alex beat his man and almost beat the keeper with his shot that deflected into the post and dribbled invitingly along the line but nobody followed through to put it away. Many more forward moves were easily accepted by their keeper as we passed too long or shot on goal from too far out.

Half-time score: Manningham 0 : Rovers 1

Rovers kept up the pressure in the second half with Nick V, Dion, Nik and Drew all coming on at various stages. The defense, with York, Daniel, Chris T and Steve well on top were winning most of the ball and passing to team-mates further up the ground to keep Manningham under the pump all over the field. After a few good build ups Alex controlled the ball just outside the box, turned and shot just over the keepers head for our second goal.
Two goals to the good and we were keen to improve the score line. Drew passed a good through ball to Alex who kept running and shot only for the ball to rebound to Nick Vass whose chip sailed over the keepers hands and into the net once more. The opposition coach had plenty to say and the Ref was not impressed, issuing a Manningham forward (29) a yellow card for shooting off at the mouth.
Drew kept the momentum rolling with a good run from the right and shot on goal that the keeper partially smothered. The ball rolled towards the line and Alex had a simple tap in to keep the scorers busy. Rovers continued to pass the ball around sometimes a bit too much with fiddling coming into play. Boys this is not a Country & Western festival, just get the ball and pass first go to a team mate.
Steve on the left wing was proving to be a real mudlark with great ball control even though he was covered head to foot with mud. All the parents could think about was whose turn was it to wash the tops this week. We all hope Daniel’s mum has a Whirlpool!!

Scores at full-time: Manningham 0 : Doncaster Rovers 4

ROVERS –boys a nice return to form even if the opposition was limited.
We are now back in 2nd position so let’s keep our minds on the job!!