U9 Vipers
With several key players missing from the team and no subs on the bench, the Vipers had to dig deep, remain focused and hope no-one got injured. Playing on a larger pitch than normal and considering the strengths of the available players, the Vipers switched to a formation that would carry risks in the absence of discipline and teamwork.
The Vipers started the game intent on passing the ball around and their focus paid off in the first few minutes with Stevens smashing the ball into the back of Saints net. The Vipers played with Shah as last man, a decision that required the Vipers' defender to hold up Saints’ attacks allowing Lowe and Green to push back in support. A role that both wingbacks played well. Hylton continued to keep Saints on their toes by altering the distribution from the back. Lowe and Green picked up the ball from Hylton on several occasions and Ruiz was always on hand to link the play between defence and attack.
Up front Martinez threatened with the Saints defence with quick turns, long throws and quality corners. His determination paid off when he finished off an excellent Vipers move putting the team two goals ahead.
After a well deserved half time breather the Vipers continued passing the ball around. Stevens (playing in his favoured attacking midfield position) continued to terrorize the Saints defence.
Saints began to make a game of it by creating chances of their own but the Vipers defence remained solid. Martinez eased the nerves by securing Vipers third and final goal. Saints came close to ruining Vipers clean sheet when a well struck free kick was acrobatically tipped over the bar by Hylton.
The effort award could have gone to any one of the seven players who all showed discipline and teamwork throughout. The award deservedly went to Ruiz for an outstanding and intelligent midfield display.
Many thanks to Sanj for looking after the team and writing the report in my absence! - Rob
Squad
Isaac Hylton, Kalhan Shah, Owen Lowe, Morgan Green, Liam Ruiz, Jack Stevens, Pablo Martinez