U8 MTYFC Robins v Bradford on Avon (BOA) 29/03/2008 (Friendly)

A grey sky greeted the players to Melksham home pitch. Although cold, it was a vast improvement on last week’s unpleasant arctic conditions.

Melksham, confident after last weeks win got off to a good start and immediately pressurised the BOA goal.  BOA defended well and were quick to counter attack.  Elliott, Matthew and Adam in defence had to be alert and were intercepting BOA's attacks and getting the ball clear.  In the fifth minute Josh managed to score from a goalmouth scramble to give the Robins an early lead.  BOA continued to be strong in the counter attack and managed to win a few corners. The Robins defended well and prevented BOA from levelling the match. William, Josh and Kieren were playing well in mid field. Ten minutes in Adam took a quick throw to Josh who unleashed his trademark left foot thunderbolt which sailed through the air out of reach of BOA defenders and their goalie, hitting the top right corner of the net - a spectacular goal.  At the restart BOA threatened to score but was thwarted by a great save from Nathan.  From a good goal kick, Thomas controlled the ball well and his shot was out of reach of the keeper to make it 3 – 0 to Melksham. It was Thomas again, in the fifteenth minute who managed to thread the ball through the BOA defence to make it 4-0. Haken made a great run from his own half only to see his shot go just wide of the post.  From another goalmouth scramble Kieren shot from close range to make it 5 -0. In the dying minutes of the first half, Melksham were awarded a free kick in a central position just outside the box. Kieran’s shot was blocked my some excellent defending by BOA. The whistle blew making the score 5 – 0 to the Robins at half time.

Elliot swapped with Nathan in goal for the second half. Five minutes in and Thomas got his hat-trick with a low shot into the bottom right of the goal.  Josh had a good attacking chance and was unlucky to see his shot just go wide of the left post.  His efforts were rewarded by a further two goals making it 8 - 0 to the Robins. In the final few minutes Josh hit the ball hard across the BOA goal and Haken skillfully added a touch giving the keeper no chance. The Robins nearly made it ten, but the BOA goal keeper made an excellent save.

The match ended 9 – 0. Well done to the Robins. Also well done to BOA. They played well and did not deserve to lose by such a large margin. The match was played with a great friendly spirit and all credit to the players for creating an exciting match.

Man of the Match – Thomas

Reporting from the Touchline – Bryan Taylor

Matchday Photographer - Michelle Taylor

Message from the Manager

A big thank you to Simon and Dan from Bradford on Avon and their players and supporters for two good games that were played as Bryan mentioned in his report in a great friendly spirit.