Tad Albion U8s ‘v’ Poppleton (9th March)

U8 Yellow Team Match Report

Tadcaster Stun League Leaders !

1st Game report
Tadcaster Albion 1 – 0 Poppleton
Scorers: Harry
Tadcaster lined up for the first game with Alfie in goal; Emily and Joseph in defence; James and Megan in midfield; Harry up front.
This was the big one! A win against the league leaders would open up the ‘B’ division and maybe nerves were the cause of Tadcaster’s slow start. The wobbles didn’t last long though and Tadcaster started to rise to the challenge. Alfie looked assured in goal, with Emily and Joseph strong and solid at the back. In addition Joseph’s continued improvement and willingness to attack (a little too willing sometimes!) provided the team with options going forward. James, Megan and Harry ran their socks off as usual and their readiness to get back and defend typifies the team spirit. It has to be said that both teams contributed to a fantastic match, and despite the lack of clear chances in the first half, the play was as exciting and entertaining as anything we’ve seen this season.
Daniel and Justin replaced Emily and Megan for the second half. Both substitutes played their parts with Daniel making several great tackles, and Justin putting in a performance that was an absolute revelation. His boundless energy lifted the team and provided the platform allowing James and Harry to take the game to Poppleton. Tadcaster were increasing in confidence and had Poppleton on the back foot on a number of occasions, but still neither side created any clear cut chances. This match was destined to be one of the most exciting 0-0 draws ever, when Tadcaster pulled in out of the bag again with another late, late show. James’ persistence saw him drive down the right before getting in a good, high cross. The ‘keeper couldn’t quite hold on to it and when the ball dropped, Harry was in the perfect position on the goal line to fire in possibly his easiest, but most important goal of the season.
It might seem repetitive, but the team spirit and determination within this group of players is immense. They attack as a team, defend as a team and most importantly, they just never give up.
Man of the Match: James – tireless running throughout the match, both in attack and defence. Well done James !

2nd Game report
Tadcaster Albion 2 – 3 Poppleton
Scorers: Justin, Sam
The line up for the friendly game was Megan in goal, Emily and Daniel in defence; Edan, Adam and Justin in midfield; Alfie up front. (Sam started on the bench, with rolling subs every 3 or 4 minutes).
A poor start saw Tadcaster 2-0 down within the first 4 minutes. After that though, things did improve, with Justin having an absolutely outstanding game. He had already gone close to scoring, before firing in a great shot from the edge of the area (his first ever goal!).
Tadcaster started the second half believing they could win, and Alfie’s ability to hold on to the ball caused lots of problems for the Poppleton defenders. Edan came close to levelling the scores, but in the end it was Sam who latched on to a loose ball in the area and notch his first goal for the club. Tadcaster couldn’t quite hang on to the lead though and a very Poppleton late goal settled the match in their favour. A disappointing result, because Tadcaster deserved more, but overall a fantastic performance.

Man of the Match: Sam – played really well and thoroughly deserved his goal. Let’s hope there’s lots more to come. Well done Sam !