U8 MTYFC Robins v Melksham Park (Home) 19/04/2008

After winning the last few games the Robins’ confidence was high. Another cold and dull day greeted the players and expectant crowd. The Robins were back to a full  strength team.

The Robins started very well, pressurising the Melksham Park goal. The Melksham Park defence was solid, closing down our players early, preventing accurate shots on goal. The Robins were awarded a number of corners in succession.  Kieren delivered these well but unfortunately no one from the Robins managed to connect with any of them.  Melksham Park were quick to break out of defence, but Matthew and Adam seemed to have these covered with good clean tackles cancelling the threat. After a good goal kick from Nathan, Kieren collected, ran down the left wing and passed the ball into the box, Josh got his foot to the ball as it powered at close range towards the goal, the Melksham Park keeper made a fantastic reflex save to keep the score sheet level. Tom, Elliot and Haken had further chances but their shots just went wide of the post. Fifteen minutes in and the majority of the play had been in Melksham Parks’ half.  After a good clearance from Melksham Park their forward was left one on one with Nathan our keeper. He bravely managed to scoop up the ball as the Park forward descended upon him at great speed. Melksham Park had a further chance a few minutes later when they tried a very long range shot. The Robins supporters held their breath as the ball came very close to the top right corner of the goal. The half ended at 0 – 0. An excellent half for the Robins. They had dominated the half and were only prevented from scoring by some excellent goalkeeping and defending from Melksham Park.

In the second half, Melksham Park seemed a different team as they came out fighting. An early shot from a very acute angle hit the Robins post. The Robins also had their chances. Elliot managed to keep the ball from going out and then passed down the line for Haken who was eventually stopped by the Parks defender. William working hard in midfield won the ball and played a neat pass to send Haken on his way again only to be thwarted again by Parks defence.  The First goal of the day came in the 30^th minute when their forward found himself in space and gave a huge kick towards goal. Nathan tried valiantly to save it but the power of the shot was too much and the ball hit the back of the net.  This gave Melksham Park great confidence. A further goal followed for Melksham Park after a good pass from midfield. The final whistle sounded a few minutes later.

To summarise - A strong performance from the Robins with some excellent passing and a good team performance. They were very unfortunate to concede two goals after dominating the first half. Credit must be given to Melksham Parks defence and goalkeeper.  

Man of the Match – Elliot

Reporting from the Touchline – Bryan Taylor

Matchday Photographer - Liz McMillan

Message from the Manager

Boys a great team performance, dominating the game creating chance after chance, keeping a good Park side to long range shots is fantastic, even after conceding two goals you kept going, the determination was there right till the final whistle, well done TOP DRAW!!