Match report: Crosspool Juniors U9s vs Eckington Oct. 28th 2007

I was a little disappointed after today’s game because I felt we let ourselves down a little and really deserved at least a draw. Although everyone played well, we did not take our chances and there was a slight lack of sharpness on many occasions which contributed to a few of their goals and the fact that we had just a few good chances. It is difficult to get consistency at any age and I guess we must accept that this one got away. They are a very good team, defended well in numbers and with consistently well-timed tackles and yet we matched them and certainly deserved a draw, but we have got to score more goals because errors (and conceding goals) are almost inevitable on most days.

Game 1 (Lost 3:1) [Luke H]
This game started with a superb passing move, finished off with Jack giving Luke a simple lay off, followed by a good shot and a goal. Unfortunately it was a false dawn in that our play never really gained any cohesion after that. Everyone worked hard and really the opposition had few proper shots, if any, apart from their goals. We on the other hand should have had a least three more with both Jack (twice) and Said mis-hitting one-on-ones when they had ample time and a keeper not far of their line. It is difficult to put a finger on exactly wasn’t working today; at times players were not keeping their position well enough, but to be honest the defence was mostly very solid, Nathan as ever won a lot of loose ball in the middle, players were looking for passes, but we just didn’t make the most of the possession we had. When players dribbled, they nearly always got tackled; Jack did not get much clean possession but also seemed a little slow to anticipate and in Steve’s words, “we didn’t get the rub of the green today”.

What I would say is that I thought decision making and sharpness were a little off today. Players did not always control first when they had space, thus giving a wasted knock on and other times just gave poor passes or throws. Their first goal came because we did not close a player down quickly on the edge of the box, their second was just an accident with James dropping a slippery ball, and the third was also poor with several players not ready to attack James’ goal kick, giving their player too much time to meet it first and then kick a long and slightly lucky shot into the net. Of course, a good opposition will make us look worse and we should give them credit for never giving us space to play and always keeping 2 or even 3 on whoever was near their box.

Game 2 (Drew 1:1) [Ahmed 1]
This game had fewer chances than the first but once again they seem to have conceded fewer goals – is there a pattern here? I thought Ahmed worked very hard up front, but too often was pushed out wide, partly by good defending, and unable to be effective. He did work some magic a few times and had two shots from narrow angles, one hit the post and one scored. For the third he had only the keeper to beat and then fell over – it just wasn’t our day! Ezra had a good first half and was beginning to battle the way midfield players need to, winning quite a few loose balls and headers, but he still needs to be a bit quicker moving the ball on once he has it. Luke Jackson and Henry both played well in goal and kept a tight ship. As with the first team this game never really gained any cohesion and throughout it was a battle neither team won. Again I thought we were sometimes a bit off the pace in attacking the ball, especially in the middle, we don’t make the most of our throw-ins with players being too static and too slow to move. James A showed good attempts to look up and pass the ball and his smart play, followed by two more passes, led to Ahmed’s goal, but overall we did not connect enough passes. Dennis had a good game today and, in addition to being involved in the goal, was more involved in attacking play than previously. It was a pity that with his one clear chance to shoot, he decided to take an unnecessary touch and in doing so knocked it to the defender,

Their goal came from a lack of concentration with a player dribbling past several of our players, each of whom dived in rather than standing their ground.

Crosspool Juniors U10 – v – Stocksbridge Park Steels U10

Sunday 14th October 2007

Another fine autumn day at Coldwell Lane saw the boys up against the team currently at the bottom of the table. Most thought we would win before kick-off….unfortunately Stocksbridge had other ideas.

First Match
Stocksbridge started well with plenty of attacks as the boys from Crosspool seemed to be still wiping the sleep from their eyes. On three minutes we went one nil down. Stocksbridge continued the pressure and Crosspool appeared to have no answers when on seven minutes they converted straight from the corner, two nil. It got worse less than a minute later when they hit us on the break and made it three nil after only eight minutes. After this start it surely couldn’t get worse, and didn’t, as our boys suddenly realised they were in a match. From their last goal it was all Crosspool. On the ten minute mark they pulled one back.
After the break a couple of subs and a change in formation seemed to do the trick and Crosspool looked like a team again. On 25 minutes a good corner was slotted home to make it three two, could we pull it around. The answer came only moments later when a goalmouth scramble resulted in our equaliser. The team were now unstoppable and two further goals made the final score five three to Crosspool……if only they had woken up earlier in the first half.

Second Match
The first match had now paved the way for us to get a comfortable win and early on we looked the more likely to score. To be fair to Stocksbridge their defence worked well and denied attack after attack. Crosspool ended the first half with a hat full of chances that they failed to convert and it ended nil nil.
The second half was much the same but our boys were getting frustrated by the solid defence of the opposition and on 35 minutes we were dealt the sucker punch when we failed to clear our lines.
The remainder of the match saw few chances but finished one nil to Stocksbridge....but the boys had got the three points.

A football term that gets used a lot in Sheffield these days (both red and white) is that any win, even an ugly one will do….this was the Under 10’s ugly win, sometimes the hardest matches of all are these types, so well done to all. They kept going after a bad start and fought back well when lesser teams would have dropped their heads and accepted defeat.

Crosspool vs Ecclesall Rangers U9s (Oct 7th)

Victory!

Well what a difference from last week. This was great entertainment, played in a good spirit and very close. Both teams were vastly improved and, although I am biased, I think deserved to win by more. I guess the players like to keep their parents on tender hooks until the end. One key factor was effort, every player seemed to be switched on from the start and working hard and this prevented the opposition of creating many coherent moves. Apart from their two goals, I think they only had a couple of other chances per game and that is down to good defending.

We swapped the teams around today, but I can’t really say whether that was a key factor. Certainly we handled their skilful player better today in game 2 and he had only 2 or 3 good shots all game; critically, he was marked out of the game in the second half and that is down to great concentration by our players!

If I wanted to be critical, we still suffered from our normal Achilles heel of not scoring enough. We create a lot of chances but all too many do not result in an effective shot on target. This is an objective for training because against better teams we will need to make the most of the few chances we get. The other aspect I picked up is that players are often too slow at throw-ins and goal kicks. On many occasions a quick throw or goal kick could have found a player in a lot of space, but we are not looking for it. By the time the thrower or keeper is ready, the space is gone and thus it is harder to keep possession. Notably Jack’s first goal came because Nathan took a quick throw before their defence was organised and Jack was alert and got behind them.



Game 1 (Drew 0:0)
I was enormously pleased with this team today. They keep a clean sheet, they did not lose and thus gave the second team a great chance, this is by far the best they have played and, most significantly, I honestly believed they deserved to win by several goals. We had many chances and I should give special credit to Henry, who although he missed 2 good chances inside the box, chose to take them on his left foot because he had to hurry and still made reasonable contact. All to often our players don’t take the chance when it is there, try to get it onto the better foot and are closed down. I also want to make a special mention of Luke Jackson who had an outstanding game in midfield; he seemed to win almost all the loose balls and also, had the presence of mind to control the ball first and then decide what to do. He was unlucky that the few long shots he made were not converted to goals; I remember at least one being parried back to our player who just couldn’t get the right connection to put it in the net. I can’t mention everyone, but Leo again put in a great effort playing the double role of defence and winger and he made many critical tackles. Ahmed worked really hard doing a similar job, I thought Ezra had his most effective game to date, Callum was solid as ever holding the defence together, Joe, James and Dennis kept their concentration well to snuff out attacks and of course Matthew made several good saves and controlled the area. I noticed Dennis make at least 3 strong headers from corners which cleared the area – keep it up!

Game 2 (Won 3:2) [Jack 2, Nathan 1]
This game was very tight. Ironically we were on top in the first half and had not made the most of the chances we had when they popped up and scored two. The first was really a defensive error as we stood and watched instead of closing a player down and I think we could even have got to the ball first. The second was their star who we gave just a little too much space on the edge of the area and he does have a sweet left foot; well done James for saving the other shot he got. Another key moment in this half was Nathan’s free kick from 5 yards outside the area; superbly struck in off the underside of the crossbar but did it cross the line? It wasn’t given anyway. Other players did have chances and we didn’t shoot precisely enough when we had these chances.

The second half was a different game. Nathan (great work rate and tackling as ever) was asked to man mark their key player and with doubling up from whoever was nearest he was taken out of the game and thus their creativity was starved. Their only chance came when a lapse of concentration let a player run one on one at James who made a long run, well out of his area to meet the ball at the same time. This was enough to put the ball high while we all got back and cleared up the mess; great keeping James! Other moments of great play include some long precision diagonal passes, on the ground and past several defenders from Luke, Jamie, Said and Nathan, all to Jack’s feet and he was unlucky not get some reward from these. Keep this sort of play up boys because its hard to defend against. Jack was making things happen by running back to get the ball and this is something we must encourage. The first goals came early in the second half, one from Nathan’s throw and Jack hit a cracker of a volley past the keeper from outside the area. The second was Nathan’s second free kick, as a good a strike as the first except this time the referee gave a goal. It was then 2:2 until the last three minutes when a corner was knocked in by Jack from close range. However, I think we had far more chances than the opposition and thus again, deserved the win. I should mention the other players, Finlay, Nick and Ben; behind all victories is an often unnoticed defence who need to do their part and today they were all excellent at jockeying, decision making and generally snuffing out any attacks before they became dangerous.

On a final positive note, I should say that one aspect that marks out this team today was the tackling. Every player was really getting stuck into the tackles and not being pushed off the ball.

SWYO U10 –v- Crosspool Juniors U10

Saturday 6th October 2007

On a fine Autumn Saturday morning at the Young Owls Bawtry Road ground the anticipation of a good contest was evident. As the warm up began and players started to turn up the boys of Crosspool were dealt a major blow as it was revealed that a number of players were not going to show. With only one sub between the two teams they were obviously in for a tough encounter. To the credit of the lads they knuckled down as they always do and the game began.

First Match

The game plan on the Young Owls appeared to be to come out fast and to pile on the pressure to take the early advantage. Their main attacks came down the right wing and resulted in some dangerous crosses that Crosspool managed to clear time and time again. The attacks on the Crosspool goal came thick and fast but never produced a goal. Crosspool broke from defence a few times but in the second quarter they began to turn the tables and looked the more likely to score with their goalkeeper becoming redundant for long spells.
The second half was similar to the first half but within minutes the contest looked even. Despite good defending from Crosspool they could do nothing about the opposition’s goal on 27 minutes as a cross from the right tricked everyone and floated into the far left corner of the net to make it one nil to the home side.
Crosspools passing game was missing for most of the match, especially in the last third, but after the goal they created some good chances when they eventually rediscovered their passing game and looked good. The minutes ticked by too fast and despite a valiant effort from the boys it ended one nil to the opposition.

Second Match

The game started as a carbon copy of the first match with Young Owls starting quickest. Crosspool defended well and our goalie looked at ease with their efforts. The game became end to end and Crosspools attacks looked promising with an early effort coming back off the post. The prospects looked good up until Crosspool went to sleep and left one of the opposition forwards alone and unmarked on the edge of our box to pick up a loose ball to leave them with an easy chance which they took to make it one nil on twelve minutes. Crosspool responded well and continued to look threatening on the attack but on 15 minutes a gap left at the back allowed them to take a second goal. It finished on half time at two nil down.
Crosspool came out well after the break and passed the ball really well. The defensive holes for the first two goals appeared to have been successfully fixed and the opposition’s efforts were kept out well. Our attacks were beginning to have more effect and deserved to be rewarded on a number of occasions but it appeared that lady luck was not on our side. The lack of replacements on our bench now started to take effect as niggling knocks took their toll. Against ‘A’ Division teams any disadvantage takes its toll and our depleted squad was evidence of this fact. We continued to push for a goal but this left gaps at the back and they took advantage of this on 35 minutes and again just before the final whistle and it ended four nil to them.

Despite having the disadvantage of a depleted squad all our players battled well and showed Great Spirit. Well done to all.
Also, our thanks go to SWYO for the hospitality shown at the end of the match and a good clean, friendly game.


Teams: George Marsden, Henry Beck, Joe Jinkinson, Samantha Tierney, Harry Crossley, George Thomas, Joe Taylor, Charlie Hinchsliff, Jack Wade, Ross Haslam, Hugh Hackney, Ross Irwin, Luke Kocura, Ollie Fairweather, Alex Hackett

Overall results was SWYO 5 Crosspool 0

U10 Boys win Throstles tournament

During the recent summer break the Under 10's took part in a number of tournaments, one of these was at Throstles. The team pictured came out winners. Congratulations to the boys and well played.

Amongst the team were :Harry, Jamie, Warren, Sam, George, Alex, Charlie and Rob

Crosspool U10's-v-Greenhill U10's

Crosspool Juniors U10 – v – Greenhill U10

Sunday 30th September 2007

First Match

Football is full of clichés, over the moon, a game of two halves, on mi ed son; it’s a massive game etc. A variation on one of those could sum up the first match. ‘It was a half of two halves’. Crosspool started well against a Greenhill side flying high at the top of the table and favoured to be champions. Despite this we started to camp in their half and the early expectations of a difficult fixture dwindled as we awaited the inevitable goal from Crosspool.
A strong right wing and some early shots from us left no one in any doubt that this was our day. That was the first ten minutes.
The second ten of the first half began with two substitutions in quick succession. This change had a rapid and dramatic effect on the team. The change in personal was not the cause but the change in formation was and Crosspool began to suffer.
The first ten was slick, quick and organised with everyone knowing their role and doing their job. The second ten was confusing with the team not really having a formation and their frustrations started to show.
Despite looking very ordinary in the first ten Greenhill took advantage of the oppositions confusion in the second ten.
An attempt to regain the organisation and composure of the first ten came all too late as the stable door was locked and the horse was miles away. They took the lead just before half time. The moral of the half of two halves must surely be ‘if it’s not broke don’t fix it’.
The second half was not good and requires no details, other than we lost five nil.

Second Match

The second team now had a mountain and a half to climb. Five goals start is difficult against any team in the division so against the top of the league we were all aware of the task ahead. But Crosspool Under 10’s never shy away from a challenge and they came out battling.
This game saw an evenly matched contest with some good football being played.
By the end of the first half both teams had their chances, but it remained deadlocked.
The second half did not disappoint in terms of effort and entertainment from both sides.
It was becoming clearer by the second that one goal would clinch the match. As the final whistle blew it remained nil nil, ending a really good contest.


Teams: George Marsden, Henry Beck, Joe Jinkinson, Samantha Tierney, Tom Dale, Harry Crossley, George Thomas, Joe Taylor, Charlie Hinchsliff, Jack Wade, Ross Haslam, Hugh Hackney, Ross Irwin, Luke Kocura, Ollie Fairweather, Alex Hackett, Sam Collins, Dan Aspin

Overall results was Crosspool 0 Greenhill 5

Under 11s v Kingstone (won 7-1)

Within minutes of kick off John set the tone for the match with one of his typical storming runs on the left. It looked like the Kingstone goalie was going to beat him to the ball, but John's strength and determination won through. A shot on the angle into the empty net completed a fantastic individual effort. We were left rubbing eyes, then clapping hands as John showed it wasn't a fluke by repeating the first goal - only this time the goalie stayed on his line. It made no difference. A fine goal be Tom soon after sealed the game.
Kingstone threatened - two or three times Jack rushed off his line to win vital 50:50 balls. He was a little late for one to the right of the area. Difficult to say whether it was in the area. The penalty was a little harsh for a defence that had earned a clean sheet - though Kingstone had about three shots that came close. The game was effectively won by excellent Crosspool commitment. 'Look at them' said the Kingstone manager trying to urge his players forward. It was some sight - just about the whole team driving forward with purpose. The freedom to attack allowed Josh and Danial (leaving the reliable Ted and Lewis in defence) to get forward - Danial capping an excellent performance with two well taken goals. One from a corner showing the benefit of training for set pieces. Luke finished off a good display with a trademark goal - cool head picked out the spot to place the ball to the right of the goalkeeper. Another game where all of the players contributed maximum effort and commitment.

Match report: Crosspool Juniors vs Ecclesall Rangers U9's Sept. 30th 2007

Game 1 (Lost 2:1): [Jack 1]
Team 1 deserved at least a draw and had many more chances than the opposition. Unfortunately, we were unable to change half-chances into good chances so that apart from Jack’s superb run and strike, we scored no others. Said had an excellent chance which, to his credit, he took on his left foot but therefore it lacked power. Jack and Luke had many dribbles but unfortunately never got a clean strike, either being snuffed out or not making a good ball connection. The defence (Jamie, Finlay and James T) was generally solid, apart from their two goals, both of which we really had chances to clear, and this is the frustration; we let in two weak attacks and end up losing. Nathan as ever was superb in the centre making strong tackles and getting the ball forward, but he, as with the others, did not make enough clean passes to his team mates and that was our main failing. Kieran also made some good tackles and runs and is beginning to find his feet.

Game 2 (Lost 4:1) [Henry 1]
We deserved to lose this game, perhaps by more, and we should say that Luke Jackson had a storming game in goal running out on numerous occasions to distract their forwards and make them miss one-on-ones. This is warning note as their forward was clearly very talented and calm and frequently dribbled past several players; we need to mark such players more effectively. This team suffered from too many substitutions so that players had to play in several positions, could not settle and we had too few good moves. Henry played very well when up front and earned us a goal by sheer persistence, Callum was solid as ever in defence and I was pleased to see Dennis make a number of important tackles. Finally, I think Ahmed made a very good contribution on his return, working extremely hard and effectively in the middle at winning the ball.