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Grays Cosmos U13 0:6 Freeflow U13
The last time these two teams met was last winter and Freeflow came out on top (4:1) in style with and with an under strength squad. On this occasion Freeflow boasted a stronger squad and looked like a team that has developed since the last game against Grays Cosmos.
The weather was surprisingly sunny but the pitch had very long grass which looked like being test to Freeflows cohesive game. As the game was a friendly the match was split into three periods of 20 minutes allowing both teams to use more players and to experiment.
Grays Cosmos started the stronger as they forced the attack on the right and they had a series of throw-inns. Grays tried to penetrate but Freeflow did well to meet the long balls and win the second balls from knock downs. Grays only dominated for the first five minutes and this proved to be their only period of posing a threat.
Freeflow had the first clear cut chance as Harvinder was played clear by Rajan's vision but Harvinder snatched at the shot. This seemed to fire Freeflow into action as they started to dominate all areas of the pitch with and without the ball. Selim broke most of Grays Cosmos' attacks and started the away side's attacks. Harvinder soon had another chance and again wasted the opportunity.
The overwhelming penetration got its reward as Daniel broke from midfield with the ball, the forwards moved into space thus creating more room for Daniel who unleashed a looping shot, 1:0. Freeflow went on and continued to pin Grays Cosmos back into their half rather like a boxer on the ropes receiving continuous blows. Harvinder made up for his average finishing as he scored to goals in quick succession, 3:0. On both occasions the finish was clinical. The first period ended 3:0 and perhaps the score line should have been higher. Maninder and Selim in particular were shining.
The second period was again dominated by Freeflow. After some substitutions, a change of formation Freeflow continued to create chances but failed to score any of them. Daniel fired wide and then over from close range when it seemed harder to miss.
In the final period Freeflow changed their style of play and finished the game in style. As Grays Cosmos spent most of the day trying to close down with immobile players Freeflow adopted more of a possession game, sucking the opposition in with passes and movements in various directions and angles. Harvinder soon raced clear again from Daniel's through ball and completed his hat-trick, 4:0. After more experiments with positions Liam added the fifth goal with a nice flick and swivel on the outside of his foot, 5:0.
The best was saved till last as Freeflow were knocking the ball around in ole style. The move started at the back with Karan, Jaspal, Selim and Shohaib playing keep ball. This sucked the opposition in leaving yards of space in midfield. Balraj received the ball on the left and advanced it forward to Karendeep who glided past a defender, he laid the ball into Liam's path, who in turn passed quickly to Harpal on the edge of the box. Harpal teed the ball up for Demi who arrived late from an inside right position and he struck the ball from the edge of the area low and across the keeper into the far corner, 6:0.
Freeflow dominated the game and did well to adjust to the unkind long grass by punching their passing and they changed their style towards the end of the game by wearing the opposition down with patient possession football. However they must remember that future opposition may close them down quicker and they might have a better shape. Freeflow U13's must be weary of complacency.
The Starting Line up: Shohaib (GK), Karan, Harpal, Maninder, Balraj, Selim, Rajan, Daniel, Harvinder, Karendeep, Demi.
Subs: Anoop (GK), Jordan, Jaspal, Akshay, Liam & Jagraj.
Thankyou to Maninder's father for helping the Academy to Escort some of the players to the game and the Academy would like to thank Jagraj's Father and Anoop's mother for their support on the day! |
