Match report: Euxton Blacks v Charnock Richard Sat 27th March

We had a free saturday so arranged a friendly against Charnock Richard at their ground - Many thanks to CR for sorting this out!

Euxton lined up with Adam in goal, Jake and Alex in defence, Tom (captain), Stuart and David in midfield and Alistair up front. Will and Daniel started as substitutes.

Martin and I asked the boys to try their best against a very good team. We asked them to take their time before passing, look for space where possible and to remember their positions. We also reminded them to enjoy their football!!

The game began and both teams started positively with Jake and Alex defending their lines well. Adam ( in a new position for him ) looked safe and confident in goal. David, in his first outfield start, ran up and down with energy and purpose. Charnock Richard looked dangerous when they attacked down either flank, with their forwards comfortable in possession and strong in the tackle, but Euxton held their own. Tom, Stuart and Alistair combined really well with some excellent passing and Stuart was unlucky on the right with a cross which didn't quite reach Alistair in the middle of the Charnock goal. Then after some pressure, Charnock scored with a shot which Adam was just unable to save despite a great effort to do so. 1.0 to Charnock Richard.

Euxton didn't let their heads drop and continued to pass and move really well, which even brought some compliments from the Charnock coaches! It was an exciting match as both teams played some great football at times. Jake and Alex at the back, talked to each other well and looked a solid unit, and Jake made a couple of fine interceptions. David was growing into the game and didn't look out of place as he continued to chase and harry really well. Then Euxton produced an outstanding move. Tom picked up the ball in midfield and passed to Stuart on the right who looked up and played a delightful pass to Alistair, who beat one defender before finishing with aplomb 1.1. Great goal! Not to be deterred, Charnock poured forward to try and regain their lead and although Euxton were defending well as a team, they managed to grab another goal 2.1 to Charnock.

However, this seemed to spur Euxton on and they continued to play some lovely stuff. David passed to Tom, who passed to Alistair who received the ball with his back to two defenders and then stroked a pass out to Stuart on the right in space. Stuart, them waited for the right moment before delivering a fantastic cross back into the Charnock penalty area, Alistair left it for Tom who smashed a shot just over the goal first time! Unbelievable, it was like watching Brazil!! As half time arrived, I still had a massive smile on my face from the Euxton Blacks' move of the season!!

For the second half, Daniel came on for Stuart, Will for Alex. Tom went in goal and we asked him to try and use his massive kick to our advantage ( as we had the slope in the second half! ) The boys had played their best football of the season and we asked them to continue as best they could despite the changes.

The match restarted and Charnock Richard ( who are a very good team ) pressed forward and Jake read the game well on countless occasions, tackling and hassling their forwards into mistakes. Both Daniel and Will tried really hard on the wings and David tried out the central midfield role and acquitted himself well with some excellent tackles. Alistair, looked dangerous on the counter-attack and continued to pass to his team-mates whenever he could.

Tom made one excellent save from point-blank range but Charnock scored again to make it 3.1. However, as before, Euxton would not lie down and created a couple of really good chances after some typical battling work from Will down the left. Tom was now enjoying himself smashing the ball deep into the Charnock half with his exocet goal kicks and Alistair's control and movement caused their defence some problems. Will and Daniel always looked to support their team-mates and Euxton looked a good unit all over the pitch. Unfortunately, football, as we know, is a very cruel game and Charnock scored again with a double deflection which Tom was just unable to keep out. 4.1 to Charnock. Just before the end, with Stuart now playing the midfield maestro role well, Will passed brilliantly to Alistair who took one touch before arrowing the ball into the net with another great finish 4.2. Euxton kept pushing but the match ended 4.2 to Charnock Richard.

This was a really good game of football against another excellent team. Despite Euxton's tough month of fixtures the boys seem to be progressing and today they played their best football at times this season. Well done to one and all!!

Man of the match today, again, very difficult as every one of them played their part, but Jake put in a fantastic display at the back - so well done to Jake!!

See you at training on monday ( back at Euxton don't forget!! )