Badgers Vs Olton & West Warwicks

Olton 4 v 2 Yardley

Goal scorers Barakah and Wahaj

Yardley were back to a full-strength squad with two substitutes. Unfortunately, yours truly forgot to bring to full size adult keepers kit so the team played with 11 outfield players

The team had a great inspirational talk before the game by John Ballard. All about playing for each other, playing for the Badge and holding their shape. The extra player in midfield certainly gave Yardley extra strength and the team took full advantage of this in the first twenty minutes. Unfortunately, the attacks broke down on the edge of the home team’s “D’. But very positive stuff from the whole team. Noah as the sweeper at the back soaked up lots of pressure from Olton and then calmly passed the ball out wide to the wingers. The defence was solid but without a keeper any over runs by Olton led to more danger as the half wore on. Penalty corners became more frequent for the home team and the pressure of no goalie eventually led to a three-goal lead at half time.

The coaches at half time were really pleased with the team performance of Yardley. They worked hard and worked together. Linking defence with midfield seamlessly. The team had a little reshuffle and any talk of a stand in keeper was quickly quashed by the coaches. The extra player in midfield was giving the team a strong presence which would be lost if a player went into goal.

Within minutes of the second half whistle Yardley were attacking and got inside the “D”. The ball fell to Barakah (who just moved into midfield from defence) who took control of the ball, and shot a slow accurate shot to beat defence and keeper. This buoyed the visitors, who began to boss the middle of the pitch. For long periods Yardley had more possession in dangerous positions. Shots at the goal went narrowly wide.

The defence was still called into play and Dawood made some great tackles to keep the team in the game. Yardley soon got another goal making it 3:2 with the team looking for an equaliser. Wahaj found the ball at the top of the “D” with just the keeper to beat, he placed it accurately into the corner. This high press lead to many gaps at the back and the quick-thinking defence of Olton sent many long balls through midfield to the attackers exposing our back three on many occasions. With five minutes to go Olton got their Fourth goal making the game safe.

The performance by Yardley was full of positives from start to finish, but the team still needs to encourage the younger players. This needs to be done by talking to them, to relay their experience and knowledge whilst the game is being played. Out on the astro the coaches need all the experienced players to provide help and guidance to our stars of the future.