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Freeflow extended their winning run to four games in a row with a devastating second half performance. After a scrappy and dull first-half Freeflow produced lovely football and four superb goals as they completed the double over Upminster in the league and will now look forward to next weeks first round cup tie against Upminster.
The game started slowly with both teams unable to compose themselves on the ball resulting in scrappy play and an endless amount of throw-ins. Freeflow's passing game never really got into gear in the first half as promising positions were let down by poor ball control and with passes that lacked conviction. Kamel who returned to the squad after injury was the only player that settled early on from a technical point of view and he had the first real chance of the game. After beating the right back Kamel shot was saved by the onrushing goalkeeper and Manvir reacted, but to only header the rebound over.
As the first half progressed Upminster tried to penetrate with the long ball and with one particular player who was big and strong. Aran was faced by this forward on numerous occasions in the first period but he timed every tackle and Amandeep was on hand to sweep up behind Aran. Generally the Freeflow defense was solid considering the windy conditions and were always composed on the ball, Arjun notably playing some lovely passes on the outside of his foot to release Kamel. Jaspreet used the ball well by trying to switch ball to wide areas as the game was increasingly becoming crowded in midfield. Selim as ever showed energy and passion as he tried to produce a box to box role.
Due to the frustration created by unconvincing passing and a pressing game by Upminster Jag was introduced before half-time. He changed the game with some beautiful dribbles and clever touches. Freeflow did produce four brilliant footballing moves in the first period that either involved close triangle passing or a counter-attacking through pass which Liam and Manvir failed to latch onto. Overall though the first-half performance was labored, that lacked chances and creativity in an over crowded midfield.
As a result the system was changed for the second half and the Freeflow players produced a classy and devastating performance. The passing was crisp and quick while players were on the move off the ball. Selim broke the deadlock, he received the ball outside the penalty area, ignored players in space and then produced a stunning long distance shot across the keeper that clipped the post nestled and in the top corner, 1:0. The celebrations on and off the pitch were a sign of relief and appreciation of a player that deserved a goal. The game for 10 minutes went a little sterile and Upminster almost grabbed a fortunate equaliser.
Jag then stole the show with a lovely second half hat-trick. His first goal was a combination of, close control, pace, elegance and some good fortune as he raced through one-on-one with the keeper and slotted home, 2:0. His second goal was practically identical to Selim's, another blockbuster long range shot which seemed to deflate the opposition. Manvir who started upfront and was frustrated in the game was substituted, and then brought back on into a different position. When he returned he seemed a different player, he latched onto Jaspreet's wonderful 30 yard through ball and slotted home superbly, another fantastic goal and Manvir maintained his personal record of scoring in every league fixture that he has featured.
Jag completed his hat-trick as Raj fed another through pass, at first Jag was denied by the goalkeeper but he guided the rebound home, 5:0. The last goal was moment of cheeky skill, Kamel was put through by Harj, on his favoured left foot Kamel looked likely to score but his effort was to central but squirmed through the keeper, as Kamel was about the finish from 1 yard Sunil stole in to back heel the ball home, a cheeky but in its own right another beautiful goal.
Freeflow and Upminster meet again in seven days in the first round of the cup, with Freeflow winning both league games against Upminster they will walk into the cup tie as firm faviroutes and with confidence, but they must guard against arrogance and complacency if they want to progress in the cup.
SQUAD: ADAM, FARIS, LIAM, ARAN, SUNIL, JAG, KAMEL, ALI, AMANDEEP, HARJEET, ARJUN, JASPREET, RAJVIR, SELIM & MANVIR. 3 Changes made to the previous squad.
GOALS: Selim 1, Jag 3, Manvir 1, Sunil 1.
U15 LEAGUE STATISTICS click here |
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AMANDEEP showed his game reading ability which resulted in a clean sheet and was cool in under pressure situations always. |
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JAG was introduced and he helped to change the game. Scored a second-half hat-trick that comprised of two lovely goals. |
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JASPREET protected his defense and always looked to switch the point of attack. His passing ability is progressing. |
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ARJUN was solid. His distribution from the back was always the right choice and passed the ball with the outside of his foot like a South American. |
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