Badgers Vs Leamington Spa

Yardley Badgers served up a great performance and were worthy winners. Leamington were smaller player for player, but did have a larger aggressive adult at the back who was very vocal. From the off Yardley were on the offensive with two attacks being worked between Owen and Jordan up front. The second of these led to a short corner. The ball was pushed out and Owen slipped the ball to his right for Ishaq to score. 1-0 Yardley with only five minutes gone.
We lined up 4-4-2, but with the second centre back playing as sweeper Ziaur in this position looked comfortable and kept the opposition at bay. We had wave after wave of attacks which resulted in another penalty corner, this time saved on the line by the adult. Two more penalty corners ensued, one saved by the keeper the next by the adult again on the line. At this time the Leamington adult managed to fell one of his own players with a ferocious clearance from inside the D as we pressed forward again.
25 minutes into the half we nearly conceded as we left the centre forward unmarked 15 yards behind us. Some magnificent defending by Ziaur and Usamah saw us scramble the ball away. Another wave of attacks saw Yardley on top again, but no additions to the score. 1-0 half time.
The half time talk – well played so far, but the defenders must talk to each other and watch the forward. The only other major thing, when we’re in the D shoot! Only Owen and Jordan seemed prepared to commit.
The second half resumed with Yardley on top again, with the midfield enjoying possession and bringing the forwards into the game. An interchange of position between Owen and Jordan saw a strong cross come in from the right and Jordan sweep home 2-0. We almost made it three when Jordan picking up a pass from Aeysha, put the ball into the far corner, but was adjudged to be outside the D. Another short corner was won. A pile driver from Owen saw the ball deflected by the adult into the roof of the net for 3-0.
We then switched off again in defence with our both our left and right backs being on the right and in the opposition half. 3-1. No damage done as we were awarded another penalty corner from which Owen this time felled the full back. Only a few minutes to go and we were awarded a free hit on the five yard line. Owen took the hit to himself and ran into the D firing a fierce shot across the keeper and into the far corner for 4-1.
This was the best performance I’ve seen from Yardley Badgers this season. everyone had outstanding games. A great credit was that we kept Leamington down to just a couple of shots in the whole match. Thanks also to Paul Jarvis who was in goal this week.

We must remember to talk to each other and shoot when in the D – we can’t score unless we commit.

Scorers