Match result
| Team | Mixed U16 - |
|---|---|
| Opposition | Poppleton |
| Kick off | 2pm 16/09/2012 |
| Score | 3-1 |
| Match report | Away to Poppleton was hardly the fixture Gabbiadini would have chosen for his charges after the comprehensive reverse the previous week. Poppleton away requires grit and discipline, two characteristics missing from the first half against Thorpe. With the likes of Emmo, Scully and Beddo unavailable things looked bleak as we ventured onto the exposed, windswept Poppy fields. From the off, however, the lads showed everything they didn’t show the week before – control, aggression and determination. The back four was solid, with Gianni, Pavs, Josh Quarmby and Liam Richmond looking incredibly resolute and, on the odd occasion when their barrier was breached, Danny was hugely impressive – his clearance just before half-time epitomising his commitment as he knocked the Poppy forward as far down the pitch as the ball. The midfield linked up superbly and showed the passing style which has seen the team reach the summit of Division 1. Carlos, Binno, Theo and Joe kept the ball on the floor in tough conditions, with Joe orchestrating things, his simple one-touch passing and aggressive tackling winning him the manager’s player of the match award. Robbo and Alex linked up brilliantly in the first half, following Gabbiadini’s excellent coaching tip, creating space for each other as they picked up the flick headers from Danny’s downwind kicks. The Poppy back four couldn’t handle them and amidst their confusion Alex darted in to score and put us one up at half time. The second half always threatened to be a tough test. There was an exchange of goals as Tom Russell glanced home a Binno cross after some fabulous passing and Danny’s net was finally penetrated by Poppy after a series of first class saves. After their goal Carlos came off, Joe got injured: Turts and Josh Moran came on and played crucial parts as Gabbiadini had to shuffle his pack. Just when it looked like Poppy would gain control of the game an in-swinging free kick from Liam Richmond cleared everyone to find the diminutive Theo Ainslie at the far post and his Giggs-like controlled outside of the boot volley back across the keeper sealed the victory 1-3. It was just the classy goal required to affirm our dominance. The next test is Wigginton at home – a top of the table clash! Gabbiadini is riding high and has shown immense managerial acumen thus far; the question on everyone’s lips is, can he pull off the big one and beat the unbeaten? Be sure to be there Sunday to find out! |
Manager | Ricardo Gabbiadini |
| Captain | Liam R |
| Player of the match | Joe T |
Team stats
| Player | Position | Contribution | Goals | Clean sheets | Bookings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| William P | Goalkeeper | Played part match | |||
| Dan W | Goalkeeper | Played full match | |||
| Joshua Q | Defence | Played full match | |||
| Liam R © | Defence | Played full match | |||
| James T | Defence | Played part match | |||
| Theo A | Midfield | Played full match | 1 | ||
| James B | Midfield | Played full match | |||
| Carl B | Midfield | Played part match | |||
| Tom R | Midfield | Did not play | 1 | ||
| Joe T | Midfield | Played part match | |||
| Gianni G | Played part match |  | |||
| Alex F | Forward | Played full match | 1 | ||
| Josh M | Forward | Played part match | |||
| Liam R | Forward | Played full match |
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