AFC Telford Youth 3-4 Boldmere St. Michaels Youth
The Youth Team pulled off a huge result last night at Lilleshall defeating the Current MYFL Premier Division leaders AFC Telford United 4 goals to 3
Telford are top of the league and probably the 2nd best footballing team in the division, we were playing at Lilleshall Sports Centre which was nice and they seemed a very confident group of players on our arrival, but my problem was that I only had 11 fit players due to injury, illness and work commitments.
I told the players before the game that I fancied our chances tonight but we had to show very good discipline, keep our shape but most importantly we needed to concentrate throughout the game.
There was a fierce wind going down the pitch and we decided to defend against it in the first half, I told the lads again shape, discipline and concentration, lets see this half out and than we can change our game plan.
We started the game very well keeping the ball on the floor and we got behind them on a couple of occasions but than a cross to the far post saw their winger free and our full back missing and we are 1-0 (concentration).
This lifted Telford and they were now pushing for a second which came within 5 minutes, a long ball down the middle, the kid took a touch and just turned and ran at goal we were trying to pull him, drag him down but he got free and drilled the ball in the bottom corner from 18 yards (Discipline).
To our credit we kept pushing and tried to play on the floor to get round the back of them and created 2 good half chances, again an attack broke down and Telford were away and at our back 4 but we got dragged inside to much and their player rolled it out to the right winger who slotted home from 12 yards (shape).
With 5 minutes to go in the first half James Walker it a 25 yard screamer into the top corner which gave us the boost we needed.
Half Time 3-1
I told the lads at half time that I thought we could win the game, we had played well but made basic errors which we spoke about before the game and most importantly we were playing with the strong wind behind us in the second half…could Telford defend better than us????.
We started the half well and put pressure on Telford immediately forcing 2 corners early on but they defended them well but after 55 minutes Craig Jones played a ball down the side and Tom Law drilled it into the bottom corner from 18 yards and now it was game on.
Telford became a little edgy and we were now flying but again we needed to keep our shape and not chase the game, we left ourselves exposed on 2 occasions but Tom Cox pulled off 2 good saves.
We than equalized with an own goal form the Telford centre back who miss hit a clearance into is own net after being put under pressure form the BSM forwards. 3-3 could we win it??
The lads now were flying around at 100 MPH, keep your shape, don’t chase, wait for the opportunity…….these were my instructions, don’t get caught, concentrate.
We were awarded a free kick 35 yards out and Reiss Byfield whipped it to the far post were Tom law headed home to give us the lead, what a comeback.
The last 10 minutes were a bit edgy but we saw the game out and deserved to get the result on the night, well done to all the lads and everyone involved especially the parents who never gave up on us at 3-0…..great support, I must also say thank you to the Telford management who took this defeat well even though it must of hurt.
Full Time 3-4
Our next game is this Monday at home to Alvechurch Youth kick off 7.30pm
