Badgers Vs Barford Tigers

Yardley Badgers 3-1 Barford Tigers Badgers

 Goalscorers: Wahaj, Sean x2

 Yardley badgers turned out in good number prior to our 2:30pm push back. Visitors Barford Tigers were only able to field 10 players so Yardley offered Dawood to them.

 Yardley had adults Paul and John absent, with both Jeevan and Alex coaching the team. Yardley started off with a 3-5-2 formation which began to pay dividends with a Yardley goal within the first 5 minutes after a cross from the right found Wahaj in space at the back post. 10 minutes into the half, Tigers' guest player Dawood sustained an injury from the ball being played into his foot. He was unable to continue for the rest of the game. 

 As Dawood was being treated, Alex replaced Jeevan to help rotate the ball to both flanks which resulted in Yardley scoring their second of the game. Tigers began to press, but several attempts were soon stopped by Barakah and Ayesha who held the midfield. Tigers were then gifted a short corner late on from which they scored. 2-1 at half time.

 The half time team talk was one of much positivity, encouraging Noah to continue his link up play with the wingers, full backs to continue their great display and the introduction of second half performance targets. 3 shots on target, a goal from our striker and a clean sheet based on our first half draw. All soon then to the surprise of stand in Coach Jeevan that we were actually leading 2-1 at the break.

The second half, Yardley started off well although, soaking up pressure for much of the half. Full backs Ethan and Edan grew in confidence carrying the ball upfield to the half way before linking well with their wingers to add more width to our game. Jack our keeper was called in only twice in the second half to kick away two rare Tiger attacks. Yardley's third would come from good tracking from the midfield which gifted Alex the chance to run upfield with the team and slot the ball left to Sean who hit the ball first time through the keeper’s legs.

 3-1 the final score, the youngsters were delighted with a much-deserved win. An impressive display from all, players growing in confidence and working well with their team to keep the ball moving.

Report sent in by Jeevan Chagger