Eastwood CFC Gold Saturday U12 7-7 Sherwood Yellow U12

Sherwood were there for the taking if only the boys had been a bit stronger and passed the ball more often. When they did pass and move the ball about they looked good and created chances. Awareness of players around us wasn't there at times especially in our own box, when 3 or 4 players were left unmarked as we were drawn to the ball too much. Too many diving it at times and Sherwood just skipped around us. Once the lads learn to jockey the ball rather than diving in I think they will start to win the ball better. We have to be stronger in our tackles too, close down quicker and start playing for each other rather than as individuals trying to do everything on their own. Sherwood took the lead but it was a quick response from Eastwood when a cross from Cameron found the head of Craig to equalise. From then on it was end to end, Sherwood making it 2-1 before a second headed goal by Josh from a great cross by Brandon. But again defensive mistakes let in Sherwood for 3-2. Just before half time Craig equalised once again. Sherwood could of made it 4-3 at half time after a hand ball by Matthew gave Sherwood a free kick, but a very brave soldier in Jack jumped as the free kick was blasted in, hitting him full in the face. A fantastic block but with a head injury he had to come off for a while.

3-3 at half time.

Second half started with a wave of attacks by Sherwood, carving our defence open and getting a 4th goal. Not a good start to the half but Eastwood again equalised through Cameron, before Craig got his hat-trick goal as he weaved his way through before coolly slotting it into the bottom corner, making it the first time Eastwood were in front at 5-4. We just needed to stay strong but it wasn't to be as Sherwood equalised before taking a 2 goal lead at 5-7. With 7 mins left Eastwood knuckled down and Craig pulled another goal back before Cameron's long range effort somehow found it's way past the keeper, making it 7-7. And in the dying minutes we thought we had won it, when Craig's effort hit the bar and both posts, as it bounced down I was sure it was over the line but the ref didn't give it and it was cleared. The game ended in a draw. Parent's Player was Josh and Nathan was Manager's Player. Well done boys.