With the oranges and the blacks kick off times being scheduled for the same time on each of the games Phil asked me to help and to manage the Blacks. The squad consisted of: David, Luke, Jake, Tom, Jack (c), Marshall and Alistair.
Eccleston Amber
The first game was entering the unknown as we had never come across Eccleston during the season. However, it was stressed to the boys how important it was to be ready from the first whistle as the games are only 8 minutes long. Unfortunatly they must have had the same advise as they were straight into attack from the kick off. The boys looked a little shell shocked, as Jack and Marshall were getting overan in midfield and Luke was being left exposed as the only defender. I was pleased to see that the boys never let there heads dropped and continued to play with a smile even though we suffered a 3 - 0 defeat in our first game. The game seemed to be over so fast and all the boys seemed to be slow out of the blocks and therefore there was no man of the match.
Leyland Albion Red
After seeing Luke exposed at the back on his own it was decided that a change in formation was needed and Jake was drafted into defence to add a bit of tough tackling. Luke was given the freedom to bring the ball out of defence but reminded of his duites to defend when we lost the ball. I was pleased to see the boys start this game much brighter and were looking good until a dreadful mangerial decision by myself shouting at David were to throw the ball only for their striker to run through and slot the ball into an empty net. However, unlike the first game the goal seemed to inspire Euxton and they were now looking to attack themselves. Luke seemed to be enjoying the freedom and made some impressive mazy runs that had never before been seen in the 7 a side games. Not long after the goal Luke ran onto a loose ball and was extremely unlucky to see his shot hit the crossbar and go over, that effort was sooned followed up by another great run were Luke beat 2 in the box before shooting straight at the keeper. However all the hard work paid off when Jack hit a shot that was too hard for the keeper to hold and dropped into the net to make the scoreline 1 - 1 which is how the game finished. Man of the Match was Luke who not only defended as we know he can but looked a great danger every time he went forward.
Penwortham Town Wanderers
The boys had now adapted to the new formation and seemed to be improving with each game. Marshall was looking lively up front and was looking to create a chance each time we attacked. Although the boys played well their chances were limited by a tough tackling stong defensive display from Penwortham, however it must be noted that David had very little need to touch the ball during this game as I would say Euxton had more of the attacking play. The game ended 0 - 0 and although there were no goals the man of the match was awarded to Marshall for his tireless running and his hard work in trying to create chances.
Leyland Albion Red (game 2)
With Gillibrand not fulfilling there fixtures at the festival, Des from Leyland kindly asked us if we would like a rematch which we duly accepted. Once again the boys started brightly with Tom looking to play the ball forward and tackling well. Euxton certainly appeared to be improving with each game and were coming to terms with the short length of the games. It was a close game until some excellent running down the left hand side by Marshall game him a chance to whip the ball into the box, unfortunately it was just too far away from Jack, but luckliy Tom was on hand to hit the ball back across the face of the goal were Marshall had sneaked into the box to score the perfect poachers goal at the back post. Leyland had some good chances of there own after this but thanks to some excellent defending Euxton finished the game 1 - 0. Man of the Match this time went to Jake who was holding his position superbly and always looking to break up any dangerous attacks.
Penwortham Town United
The final fixture was played immediately after the rearranged Leyland game, however the boys were superb once again. Everyone of the boys played there part in this game and at one point a lovely move between Tom, Jack and Marshall was some of the best pass and move of the day, however once again with the short time of the games and thanks to some strong defending by the opposition the game finished 0 - 0. Man of the Match for this game was all of the boys. Each one of them deserved the award as they all worked hard, never stopped trying and always listened to the instruction given but most important of all they all played the game with a smile on there faces.
I would like to thank the boys for showing me the same respect they always show Phil and for doing what was asked of them the best they could. Everyone of the boys played an equal part in the festival and they all shared an equal amount of playing time. With that said I would like to award the player of the festival for Euxton blacks to Luke. As mentioned in previous match reports Luke defended well but what was more impressive is the way he took to his new role of coming forward with the ball. It is in that respect that Luke excelled having never played that way before.
Once again well done boys and I will see you at training tomorrow.
