Badgers Vs Olton & W W

 Checking the results Olton had in previous weeks, a 10-1 win jumped out at me. It was against the team we lost 4-0 the week before. Feeling slightly nervous I decided to field not one, not two, but three adults in the game. We had more bad news, our excellent keeper Jack had sustained an injury on Thursday so Edan volunteered to stand in at short notice (thank you).

Olton normally play with two adults so it was going to be a tough game for Yardley’s younger squad members. The game started positively for Yardley as Jordan linked up with Usamah (adult 1) in midfield. Just like last season they were able to power through Olton’s midfield and get the ball into the danger zone the “D”. The strength of the Adult defenders on both teams meant chances were few and far between. Edan only had two kick out clearances. Their keeper didn’t get a touch. Yardley had chances but most went wide.

The main competition area was in midfield and Yardley challenged every loose ball, they tried to tackle players and tried to play passing hockey. 0-0 at half time was a fair result. Edan had a family pre-arranged event so Paul the Badgers Captain got kitted up and played in the second half.

We maintained three adults and Usamah went side-line to rotate the substitutes (Thank you). Our defensive adult duo of John and Stan were having a busy time at the back throughout the game but as the time wore on the Olton adult pair pushed into our23 m line and edge of the “D”. This was solely to get a winning goal and all the Yardley players defended well keeping the keepers work to one save and two kick outs.

With five minutes to go the constant Olton adult pressure eventually told. An adult released an Olton youngster approaching the keeper looking to shoot; he slipped it wide to an unmarked striker to hit it into an empty net. At the dying minutes, Yardley had to defend a few penalty corners and against the run of play nearly got a break away equaliser. The Olton adults high up the pitch couldn’t run back fast enough and the resulting break away shot was saved and any chance of a draw faded with the final whistle. A fair result but either team could have won so panic over and no disgraceful score line. A thoroughly respectful result for Yardley, all the team played to the best of their abilities. You should all be proud, well done.