Helsby 1-5 Hornets

Water polo seemed more the order of the day as the team arrived at Helsby's
ground. The conditions were more of a concern for the parents and the
thought of how to keep their cars clean on the way home!

The team started brightly and despite the conditions managed to play some
reasonable passing football. Adam controlled the centre of midfield which
allowed Rob and James A time and space to link with Mike upfront. A number
of good runs by the two wide players set up a number of chances but
unfortunately the Helsby keeper was in outstanding form to deny Mike, Rob
and James. Dan and Will cleaned up everything in defence and Jamie was a
spectator for much of the first quarter. A corner toward the end of the
first quarter was not cleared by Helsby and Adam managed to slot the ball
home from 8 yards out(albeit with a bit of a deflection).

The game continued in the same vein in the second quarter. Dan continued to
make some great tackles and runs forward with the ball. After feeding the
ball out to the left Rob was felled and the ref rightly gave a free kick.
Robby Ronaldo proceeded to thump the ball into the top corner for a 2-0
lead. All the boys continued to show great committment in their play and
were composed on the ball. Will, Mike and James A all went close but again
the Helsby keeper produced some outstanding saves.

Rob made it three early in the third quarter with a stinging low drive which
was just too hard for the keeper to handle. James A was unlucky with an
attempt which went just wide and James A continued to dribble past the
Helsby defenders at will.
Another great run and cross set up James H who placed a great finish past
the keeper for 4-0. Olly and Dan were getting bored in defence and Olly set
about winning the muddiest player of the day with some great diving tackles.
I hope his shirt is pristine for next week. Dan eager to get on the score
sheet ran about two thirds the length of the pitch beating two players in
the process only to have his shot blocked at the last minute. Unfortunately
our heroic defenders(attacking midfielders!) decided to abandon their duties
and Helsby took advantage. A quick break out left the defence trailing in
the Helsby attacker's wake. Jamie pulled off a great save low to his right
but the balled squirmed out of his grasp and the Helsby forward was able to
squeeze the ball home.

In the final quarter the Hornets pressed for a further goal and some great
play by Will set up Mike who beat the defence to rifle in a low shot for a
5-1 win. All the boys played well today and it was a difficult choice for
MOM and TP.

MOM Rob
TP Dan