Tad Albion U9s 'v' Poppleton (22nd February)

'A' Team Match Reports

Tadcaster Albion 0 – 0 Poppleton
Squad: Alfie, Charlie, Ethan, George, Jack, James, Louis, Scott, Tom

Tadcaster entertained title hopefuls Poppleton on a breezy but mild February morning at Riverside School.
The home team lined up knowing that in order to get anything out of this game they would need a top performance; and that’s exactly what they delivered with a great overall display.
Right from the first whistle, Tadcaster were up for the contest and they battled and scrapped for the whole 30 minutes. The midfield trio of Ethan, Jack and James along with Tom up front put in their best overall display of the post-Christmas matches and in particular, there were definite signs of improvement when in possession. Although the execution wasn’t always great, the intent was there to try and pass the ball to players in better positions. If that continues to improve, the goals will come.
In summary, this was a terrific game between two closely matched teams and it’s a credit to the players that they have managed to hold their own against one of the strongest sides in the league. The stand-out performances once again were from George and Scott in defence who dealt with virtually Poppleton had to offer. A mention also for Alfie who, despite having very little to do for the most part, kept his concentration well to pull of two great saves.
Man of the Match: Scott

2nd Game report
Tadcaster Albion 0 – 3 Poppleton
Squad: Alfie, Charlie, Ethan, George, Jack, James, Louis, Scott, Tom

This was another really close game that was won by Poppleton with 3 goals in the first 5 minutes of the second half. Tadcaster had several good chances, particularly on the break, but the ball just didn’t roll kindly for them today and then ended goal-less.
Man of the Match: Tom

Poppleton 'v' Tad Albion U9s (28th Sept)

'A' Team Match Reports

1st Game report
Poppleton 3 - 2 Tadcaster Albion
Scorers: James K (2)
Team: Alfie, Charlie, Ethan, George, Harry, James K, Justin, Tom.
On another glorious sunny September morning Tadcaster made their first ever trip to Poppleton and produced a great performance against one of the strongest teams in the league.
Despite going a goal down early on, Tadcaster refused to panic and instead set about playing their way back into the match. Two unanswered goals from James gave Tadcaster the lead but they were soon pegged back again when Poppleton equalised just before half time.
The second half was no less exciting than the first with end to end play from both teams. It was a joy to watch all of the players enjoying themselves in a very evenly matched contest, and as chances came and went at both ends it looked like a draw was on the cards. In the end though, it was a cracking goal from Poppleton which settled things in the last minute.
Tadcaster didn't deserve to lose and will quite rightly be gutted. Overall, the improvement since the last match was huge. This was a great team performance and the willingness of the players to find space and to pass the ball to feet will hopefully provide proof that they can be a team to be reckoned with.
Man of the Match: Tom – great all round performance.

2nd Game report
Poppleton 2 - 1 Tadcaster Albion
Scorers: Alfie
Team: Alfie, Charlie, Ethan, George, Harry, James K, Justin, Tom.
Tadcaster were unchanged from the first game, although Harry and Justin both had stints in goal.
Once again, both teams contributed to a great match in which Poppleton scored a goal in each half only to be pegged back with a goal late on from Alfie. Tadcaster almost got the equaliser they deserved when Ethan unleashed a terrific free kick which looked goal bound, only for it to take a late deflection past the wrong side of the post.
Man of the Match: Charlie – great composure on the ball and also ran his socks off.