Five great junior games, spoiled by attitude of some players. But what a night, title looked to be GSC’s now Clee Town in pole position to regain title, Lions chances gone?

futsal3Greenlands 7 Lions 6

On a spectator report to go, apparently Greenlands stepped up a level on previous weeks performances to sort of form they showed before taking a season break.

Manager MB commented ‘maybe they had taken on board information from coaching session with Barcelona futsal coach Carlos on the Saturday.’

Dynamite 4 NTC 5

Great performance from NTC in a game of 4 a side – credit to Dynamite manager Shaun Thompson to play the 4 V 4 – allowed plenty of space but more ground to cover, even harder for the NT boys as no substitutes – they led 1-0, 3-1 and 4-3 and centre forward Ryan battled his socks off throughout – could have had 5 or 6 goals. 5 minutes to go and NTC went 5-3 up quickly followed by a 4th for Dynamite – NTC held on for a hard earned win.

Clee Mariners 5 YMCA 4

The ever improving Clee Mariners battled to an excellent hard and competitively fought game against YMCA – long ball techniques against cultured quick moving passing was the summary and the Mariners came out on top but not from a spirited comeback by YMCA – 4-1 down they pulled it back to 4-3 then a continued sustained period of control in the 2nd half by YMCA which created numerous chances but denied by the excellent Clee keeper – resulted in a breakaway goal by Mariners much to the frustrations of the YMCA group – Adam for YMCA after an aggressive first half littered with fouls hit the bar and post on 3-4 occasions in the second half. Personally disappointed by the attitude of certain players relating to language and moaning and fouling when things not apparently going their way. Also the fact that mariners were not drawn into this is a credit to the manager – as for YMCA it appears that defeat is hard to take as they set high standards and perform to a high level – but one week the issue is other team is physical? (yet this week YMCA were more than a match) and this week the fact that the opponents are using long ball (Not Futsal?) – I suggest they watch the Futsal on the TV – both styles are very apparent.

Keelby 3 Holton Le Clay 6

Well what a difference to the 2nd game – 2 fouls, great attitudes, smiles on the players faces – respect for styles and for the majority of the game close event, Keelby took lead early, but the arrival of “George” and his personal fan club inspired Holton to a 3-1 lead just before the break – Keelby replied just before the break to leave it at 3-2. Two quick goals in the 2nd half made it 5-2 but still Keelby encouraged by the manager brought it back to 5-3 – unfortunately despite their efforts and only 5 men Holton came strong at the finish to complete a 6-3 victory.

GSC 3 Clee Town 5

Again as with the 2nd game – attitudes came to the fore – frustrations and moaning!! Expected I suppose but overall a great advert of skill and performance by both sides – GSC without their star player performed excellently in defeat – the strength of the Clee town team came to the fore going into an early 2-0 lead but credit overall to GSC who pulled it back to 2-2 at the break – second half started and GSC roared on and encouraged by the three amigos managing them and the mothers supporters club battled but again skill and quality finishing came out on top with the final score being 5-3 to Clee town – again players need to play to the whistle – not react and moan or whinge – as do managers – decisions are made and explanations given.

Finally to summarize.

  • Teams respond to the way their managers express themselves – they know who they are.
  • Players need to play with smiles on their faces (I know its competitive) but enjoy it.
  • I will from next time start issuing yellow and red cards were I deem it necessary I have persisted for so long but last night was different.
  • Remember it’s about development so encourage do not moan and whine.
  • From a positive – great effort and commitment and close games.

Reports by referee John Mawer

I hold my hands up that the attitude of YMCA Spartans was below standard expected which to some extent took my by surprise. As coach I apologise and will be talking to individuals concerned. Winning is not everything, I demand that players play passing football, its the way we train and think, but it is never my job to critice how others play,and we had people doing that. If my team is beat by long ball/short ball/pressing defence, whatsoever the tactic then its my job to find a way of nullifying that problem not moan to others about it, regretfully we had persons doing that.

Kevin Bryant YMCA Spartans coach