(Many thanks to Coach, Peter, for the match report)
CYFL U14 Division 1
Luton Allstars U14 Ballerz 0 - 5 Linslade Galaxy U14 Lazio
This morning U14 Lazio travelled to Luton for their final league game of the season.
Lazio came out of the blocks fast with Theo nearly opening the scoring in the opening 30 seconds but his lifted effort over the keeper went narrowly wide. Lazio didn't have long to wait for another chance though and quickly found themselves ahead. Daniel slotted a through ball for Josh who ran in behind the Luton backline and fired home to give Lazio a 1-0 lead.
Lazio were having all of the early play and around the 10 minute mark found themselves 2 up. Daniel picked the ball up on the halfway line, wriggled through a few challenges and then drove straight through the Luton backline before smashing the ball home. After some unfounded claims that the ball hit the side netting, the goal was awarded, 2-0 Lazio.
A dream start for Lazio and things got even better 5 minutes later as they grabbed a third. Oscar's throw in down the right hand side found Daniel and Kiro, who worked an opening for Kiro to cross into the box. The ball found its way to Theo who's lay off was perfect for Josh to absolutely smash home a first time effort to give Lazio a 3-0 lead.
Luton looked stunned but they managed to compose themselves and they had a good spell of pressure running up to halftime. Largely, it was long range efforts, corners and some dangerous free kicks that Lazio were having to face without too many clear chances coming about. However, Oscar did clear one off the line from a corner and Tycho made a superb last man tackle just as it looked Luton might pull one back.
3-0 Lazio at halftime.
Luton started the second half fired up, looking to do what Lazio had done in the first half. For 15 minutes or so Lazio were struggling to get out of their half but, again, excellent defending limited Luton's chances.
Tycho, Abdul and then later Blake when Tycho came off injured were outstanding at centre back, winning countless headers and tackles. Oscar and Joe were the same at right and left back, with any combination of Adam, Blake, Theo, Daniel, Kiro and Ollie working hard in midfield. Luton had a few long range efforts that came close and Chris made one smart stop down to his right, but the Lazio defence continued to hold firm.
Midway through the half the pressure on the defence was relieved as Lazio broke to grab the all important next goal. Ollie hooked a ball over the Luton backline for Josh to chase. The Luton keeper and Josh both got to the ball at the same time but Josh won it and then held his composure to roll the ball into the empty net. 4-0 Lazio.
Luton kept pushing for a goal that could get them back in it but Lazio were starting to create the better chances. Tycho had come back on at right midfield and nearly notched when put through on goal but just couldn't quite find the finish. Theo also came close with a long range effort that the Luton keeper saved well and Josh nearly scored again from a tight angle. Josh wouldn't be denied a fourth goal of the game however when his next chance came along. Ollie played a nice ball into Josh's feet in the box before Josh turned and fired a shot which hit the keeper and squirmed over the line. 5-0 Lazio.
Both teams had some chances in the closing minutes. Lazio should have had a penalty when Blake was clearly clipped from behind. The ref ignored the appeals but a few minutes later did award Lazio a penalty for a clear push in the back on Daniel. Unfortunately Blake missed the pen, but never mind, not everything could go our way today.
5-0 to Lazio the final score.
Really good performance from the boys today. We started fast, were dangerous going forward all game and defended as a team very well. Great way to sign off the league campaign.
This week's Gartec Player of the Match had to go to our four goal hero Josh. Well played Josh, excellent finishing today.
Steve and Ben had the flag today, thanks as always.