Under 10's Reports
MATCH REPORT.
LOWER MAZE UNDER 10’s
Lower Maze U10s V Lurgan 19/04/2008
The team arrived at Rushmore on Saturday to play Lurgan and if my memory serves me correct the score line last time was something like 16 – 0. With the team ready and motivated we took to the pitch with the same game plan as per Wednesday, a stronger defence to start with. This again worked well with the half time score being 3-0 to Lurgan the players were changed into new positions for the second half. This time it was nothing to do with the gods are first goal was scored by Ryan, it was noted and as Andy Grey would say there was some exquisite play between the mid field and strikers. Things got even better as our second goal was scored by Jason this was absolutely a great achievement by the team and at one stage I thought that I would have to do crowd control.
The team continued to play well although Lurgan were still scoring my thoughts were let’s get another goal. My faith in the team was again rewarded by a third goal from Jason. Parents and myself were so over whelmed with live coverage being re-laid to Paul as it happened. Final score Lurgan 8 Lower Maze 3
Man of the Match Adam
I would also like to mention two of my youngest and smelliest players that were not able to play due to them both having there tonsils removed.
We missed you both get well soon and tell mum and dad that you need plenty of jelly and ice cream.
Lower Maze U10s V Shankil 16/04/2008
The team arrived at Drumbo on the Wednesday evening to challenge the Shankil to a better game of football and to improve on the last time we meet. The team was full of high spirits as over the past several games we had started to show signs of our skills and talents in most areas of the pitch. In the first half the team was changed and a stronger defence was fielded, this change went well as it seemed to keep the high spirits within the players that they had at the start. At the start of the second half the team was moved around to allow Lower Maze to put more pressure on the Shankil goalkeeper. Whilst every effort was given it seemed that we would never get that break through, but then the gods must have looked down upon use and we were awarded a penalty. Every member of the wanted to take the penalty but my decision was easy as I was playing Ryan as the striker for a reason. Ryan did not let me down and scored a very well taken spot kick. The game ended on a high with all players pleased with what they had achieved.
Man of the match Ryan
Lower Maze U10s V LOUGHSIDE 29/03/2008
Yet another wet and windy day in Moira.With the team in high spirits we took our positions on the field to take on Loughside. The game started with the defence from L.Maze working together as loughside were caught offside on several occasions.
Sammy started to loose concentration and when asked what the problem was he replied “ number 3 is my lucky number so why am I wearing number 5?” Keeping my cool as I do, my comment to Sammy was “ its not the number on the shirt that is important it’s the player inside the shirt, and to pretend its number 3 as its on the back and you cant see it anyway.”
Half time came with the side behind.
The boys were not impressed as Myles had left the oranges behind but luckily Reeces dad came to the rescue as he had remembered to bring the water bottles so all was not lost.
The second half started with the weather worsening though the team still showed good spirits despite the elements. Fewer goals were scored in the second half.
Positional play was good and players were realising the importance of getting back to help the defence out.
It was noted at one point that Reece tracked back a player from Loughside and put in an excellent tackle, he must have sprinted the whole of pitch and back, again this showed his determination and commitment to the team.
Jason also showed his commitment by continually being called back to assist with goal kicks and free kicks as he was still expected to be in his position up front with Reece.
Both Ryan and Michael controlled the midfield as best they could considering the were both still abit unwell.
Nathan strived to control the defence with both Dylan and Robert trying their utmost to assist.
Johnny was his normal self, causing all sorts of problems for the Loughside team and on a few occasions because of his enthusiasm it seemed like he was actually on their side.
Rebecca continues to improve with each game she plays, if I could only get her to get the ball into her hands rather than relying on her feet.
Well done team, as I pointed out in the brief before the game, we have and continue to improve.
Man of the Match
Michael
Player of the Month
Jason.
Lower Maze v Banbridge 08/03/2008
Change of venue and the team arrived at Moira. The weather was poor but the team were ready to take on Banbridge.
The manager again made some changes to try players in different positions.
The whole team showed good determination during the first half, with all players showing a better understanding of what was needed.
The half- time talk was full of positive points and all players were ready for the second half.
During the second half, again the team showed a positive attitude, which resulted in a final score of 9-0.
The referee at the end remarked on how much the team had improved since he refereed them last.
So overall this was a good result and with a bit more understanding and training our performance can only improve further.
Well done to all players.
Player of the Match was awarded to Adam.
Lower Maze v Sunnyside (01.03.2008)
Glenmore again! , this time against Sunnyside.
The team was reshuffled once again to try and fit players into positions we thought best suited them. Nathan, Robert, Dylan and Adam lined up as the a new back four with all four players having played in this position before. The new midfield consisted of Michael, Ryan, Josh and Johnny, with Reece and Jason playing up front. Nathan was given the chance of captain and gave an outstanding performance in his defensive role and also proved very affective in the middle of the field assisting Michael and Ryan. Michael and Ryan controlled the midfield as best they could but had little opportunity to get the ball to Jason and Reece, who were constantly concentrating on finding themselves space. Jason operating middle and left and Reece middle and Right. Rebecca again had a good game and showed more aggression as requested. The spirit and enthusiasm of the team lifted in the second half, which turned out to be one of if not the best performance of the season, with several of the players showing grit and determination and more understanding of holding their positions.
Johnny and Dylan gelled together in the last 15-20 mins of the game, with Johnny making some important clearances.
Although we lost the game 21-0 this is not a fair reflection on the improvement and determination of all players.
So well done to all and thank you for all your effort in the second half this is how it should be.
Player of the Match goes to Johnny.
Player of the Month Nathan.
Both are deserving winners of their awards.
On the downside, your manager has let himself and you down by making a very silly mistake on Saturday. To those affected by this mistake I would like to express my sincere apologises. I hope this mistake can be forgiven as I wish for your continued support in taking Lower Maze U10s to the next step.
Lower Maze v Ballyclare (23.02.2008)
Once again the team arrived at Glenmore 2 for another challenging game of football, this time against Ballyclare.
During the pre-match talk DJ. Explained that he was changing the format of the team and the position players would play. His mad reasoning behind this although logical, was to try and develop players into positions he considered they might play next season rather than concentrating on this season as only two players, Ryan and Adam will move on next season.
The back four lined up in front of Rebecca, with Michael appointed as new team captain for this game. Sammy also got another chance at left back, during the game he did manage to clear the ball at least twice, but still looked bewildered and amazed that we still required more effort.
Nathan took up his usual position beside Michael in central defence, again throughout the match Nathan showed courage and determination with several important clearance headers.
Robert at right back had an average game, the midfield did not see much of the ball. Dylan had a very good game alongside Ryan.
Adam and Reece had little to do due to the lack of passes from the defence and midfield to get them going forward.
Jason and Johnny playing in the forward role on several occasions managed to get within shooting distance but had no success.
Substitutes Josh and Myles both had an opportunity to get a game in the second half.
Although a very disappointing result there again seemed to be good team spirit and some signs that next season will be a better season for LMAZE U10s.
MAN OF THE MATCH.
DYLAN MULHOLLAND. WELL DONE!
And for Jason and Myles Uncle Keith in France who is a keen follower and supporter but only an average footballer himself, haha.
Final score.
20-0
Guess who to.
Lower Maze v Ards (16/02/2008)
The team returned to Glenmore to take on ARDS in a league match. Kick-off was at 9.30am. The ground was hard and the weather was cold, but this shouldn’t have caused a problem for Lower Maze U10s.However we found ourselves on the back foot with Ards scoring 2 early goals. The team continued to show courage but were getting very little possession of the ball. When in possession the team lacked enthusiasm and skill to put pressure on Ards. By halftime the rot had really set in, however as team manager I ensured that they all had there football boots on and not their slippers as a few seemed to still be asleep.
With a bite of orange and a flea in their ear the team regrouped for the start of the second half. The second half started exactly like the first and within minutes we were another goal down. There seemed no way to lift the spirit of the team, as it seemed defeat had already been accepted.
There were several players that still gave their commitment and effort to the side although it wasn’t enough to save the match. It wasn’t a complete embarrassment.
The coach from Ards praised the young boys for their effort, and in particular the goalkeeper Rebecca.
Rebecca pulled of some good and important saves and therefore was named Player of the match.
Saturday 23rd sees the team take on Ballyclare yet again at Glenmore.
So “come on team, I know you can do better than what you displayed on Saturday, it’s a later start so we all should be awake with our football heads on and not our night-caps”!!.
Lower Maze v Newmills (09/02/2008)
Saturday was a great day for football, the weather was fine and the pitch was in good order. Prior to kick-off we welcomed Greg from Saville Machinery, the main sponsor for the Lower Maze Under 10’s team. Greg presented Darrell Jacques team manager, with the new strip, which will play a big part in the teams presentation and professionalism.
During the pre match brief and warm up, Reece Morton player of the month for January and Jason Jacques player of the match and goal scorer from the previous league match were presented with their trophies by Darrell. Trophies were purchased with the donation from The Corps of Commissionaires, of which Darrell is the local manager in Ireland.
The players were in good spirit and ready to take on NewMills in a cup match. The first half saw Lower Maze losing by four goals to nil.
During the second half there was a great deal of determination and fight from several of the players. Midfielder Michael constantly tracked back to assist the defence, with Nathan and Ryan keeping most of the attacks at bay.
Our new goalkeeper Rebecca had a brilliant game; she may not realise that this game was the second best result we have had this season.
The last fifteen minutes of the game saw the whole team put in a great effort, with parents and supporters getting behind the team. The second half was a joy to watch from a managers prospective although there were very few chances for the two forwards Reece and Jason. Our right back Robert took a blow to the head from the ball whilst defending a corner, though he soon got back into the game. The blow to the head seemed to be the wake up call he needed! As his performance improved greatly, though its not something we would recommend happens on a regular basis.
Young Johnny made a welcome return to the team after a long period of absence due to illness.” Don’t worry Johnny you will soon get back into the swing of things”.
Overall this was a great result for the team so “Well Done to all”.
PLAYER OF THE MATCH, MICHAEL.for his grit, determination and effort throughout the entire game.