Badgers Vs Hampton

On Saturday the 25th October, Yardley Badgers played Hampton at home. The starting line up was: Jeevan- kicking back; Pradeep- left defence; Owen- centre back; Ubaydah- right back. Across the middle we had Ishaq-left; Usamah centre and Jordan- right. Up front we had Kathryn- inside left; Aeysha- inside right; Grace and Muhammed up front, and not forgetting our two subs Umaima and Noah.
The first half kicked off with some excellent skill work from Usamah and outstanding passing all around we soon managed to find the back of net thanks to Pradeep who had just been subbed on up front (Grace nearly pinched it on the back post). Not long after that another goal was scored by Pradeep who was well on her way to a hack-trick. Several more attempts were tried but did find the goal.
Not long after that, the half-time whistle was blown and Yardley went into the goal to hear what they were doing well and what they weren’t. The coach talked about getting into space and faster, crisper passes to each other.

The half time team talk was complete and the second half started. Listening to the coach and taking what he said on board, Yardley were playing a lot better In the second half on one occasion, the ball was in Hampton’s D for at least 2 minutes were Yardley were trying to put it past Hampton’s kicking back but he saved all of them. Pradeep found the back of the goal again with a nice shot hitting the top of the backboard- hack-trick. Hampton were still fighting though and were slowly breaking through our defence. Whilst the ball was in our D someone (Not mentioning any names… Ishaq) accidentally used the back of the stick whilst trying to stop the ball- a bit unfortunate really- and a penalty flick was awarded to Hampton. Jeevan in goal and a Hampton player ready, the whistle was blown and the Hampton player just managed to get it past Jeevan. 3-1 now. With minutes to go, Usamah went on a one man mission, beating several players and some twice, he went on a solo run and finished this off as he managed to put it in the goal and pretty much seal our victory. Several moment later the ending whistle blew and Yardley had won 4-1.
Things that need some improvement are positional sense, speed of pass and supporting the pass.
A massive thanks to all the umpires, players and supporters as we had at least 30 parents from both teams supporting.

By Kathryn

Scorers

Pradeep K Chagger

Pradeep K Chagger

Pradeep K Chagger

Usamah Iqbal