U12 Match Report - 11 July 2009

Kenmore Lions 0 vs Dayboro Dingoes 1.

This game for the Dingoes was a fill in game; a game had been cancelled previously and this was a chance to catch up. The Dingoes played away at Kenmore against the Kenmore Lions. When the game started and the Dingoes showed all the signs of a team at the end of the mid year holidays and took time to get into the game. In the first five minutes the game was balanced with most of the game played around the midfield.

Kenmore moved forward and Dayboro had to defend desperately, Jak made a strong tackle to hold up play (a sign of things to come), then Kenmore took a shot at goals. Dayboro’s scrambling defence held with the final back stop of Brad and the ball in his safe hands. The initial push forward from Kenmore was a wakeup for Dayboro and for the next few minutes the Dingoes made some good moves.

The two O’s, Oliver and Olivia produced a series of connecting passes and crosses. Kade gave the game a spark with some fancy footwork that wowed the team supporters. However, this did not put enough pressure on the Kenmore Lions as they stood their ground. The midfield tussle continued with India and Travis playing their usual solid game. Jak also stepped up to a new level this week running hard, a few strong tackles and a new found zest for the game.

With the game in a stalemate, Dayboro supporters were looking for something to give them the edge. Fifteen minutes into the game a couple of passes from Jake and Matt put the ball through to Alex in the Dayboro half. Alex moved through the halfway line and easily passed by a couple of Kenmore players. Alex continued to weave his way through opposition players toward the 18 yard box. A couple of determined steps and Alex had only the goalie to beat. Again, coach Scott’s training would pay off. After beating many opposition players, Alex could have taken the glory shot and fired the ball hard but his cool head and accurate boot placed the ball out of the goalie’s reach. This resulted in Dayboro being a goal up.

With the Dingoes finally ahead, the team settled and began stringing passes together, Oliver showing consistency throughout the season had vision around him. He put good passes through to his teammates as well as individual moves of brilliance. Toward the end of the second half the game balanced again, Kenmore’s pushes forward were countered by the Dayboro defence. Travis played the captain’s lead by putting his body on the line with his trademark rock solid tackles; on one occasion tackling hard then dribbling the ball forward to get the ball away to one of his teammates.

Jak again showed his consistency during this fist half, following Travis’ lead by putting in good tackles and showing determination. With the second half whistle blowing, Dayboro went into the ‘sheds’ a goal up.

The second half began as the first half did, both teams trying to get the edge, Kenmore moving forward only to be countered by the Dayboro defences. More good work from the defensive triple J’s; Jeremy, Jake and Jed held out Kenmore. The game played mostly in the midfield and allowed the likes of Eddie and Matt to show off their skills. Eddie and Matt both combined in a couple of one-two’s. Alex, Oliver and Olivia brought the ball forward on numerous occasions with good passes between them.

Throughout the second half Dayboro had shots on goal with no reward, even a fancy lob from the edge of the 18 yard box didn’t work, Kenmore’s defence held. An accurate cross from Oliver swept the ball across goal but a golden opportunity missed. Alex also had another shot at goal in the second half but again, no luck. As the game was nearing full time both teams had opportunities. Ed had a strong run down the line. At the other end of the field Travis continued to block Kenmore’s attempts to score. Any shots on goal we easily stopped by Brad. Special thanks to Brad for staying in goal for the whole game in the absence of Franz. We’ll look forward to your strong defensive play and determined runs at the next game.

When the final whistle blew Dayboro finished the victors. It was not a decisive win but some good points came out of it; Alex came through with the deciding goal, Oliver and Olivia combined well and set up opportunities to score and our defensive unit held strong.

For the week leading up to this game a number of the Dingoes took part in a soccer camp held in Dayboro, The Chelsea Skills Training Camp. For five days, three hours a day, the group went through intensive skills training. By game day the group were about to start their 16th hour of football for the week. As well as improving skills, it was clearly evident that fitness levels were up.

A standout from the camp and for the game was Jak Speirs who played above his usual level of play. Jak had an outstanding game and was rewarded with man of the match.