Boys Development vs Pelicans BD

Last week, and much to the disappointment of the coaches, players and spectators the Boys Junior Development Squad registered a loss by 6 - 2 to a strong Dereham team, It was felt that the Christmas break and a surfeit of Christmas pudding had much to do with the poor performance.

There is nothing like a new week to generate determination and a will to win and indeed, the Squad took to the pitch with an air of confidence and a resolve to do better.

Pelicans are always a well drilled squad and their defence, and in particular the goalkeeper, was ready to take on Magpies with an outstanding performance. Magpies dominated the Pelicans circle with shots coming from all players who entered the zone. But, the Pelicans’ goalkeeper stood firm parrying shots and deflecting others ….. a master practitioner on top form.

However, cometh the hour, cometh the man (boy)! A scramble round the keeper gave Ethan his chance to score and he made no mistake. The spectators couldn’t see the action for the number of players round the goal but they were delighted to hear the thud on the backboard and the long whistle from the Umpire.

The game continued with end-to-end attacks and a few heart stopping moments. But the Magpies defence worked well especially with the return of Alister and Jasper.

In the third quarter, another strong attack from Magpies resulted in a cracking shot from Noah from the edge of the circle and, whilst it didn’t seal the result, it meant that Pelicans would have to score three to win.

In the last quarter, Pelicans mounted a really well executed attack by taking out the Magpies left sided defenders. A well struck ball across the circle somehow escaped the attention of all the other defenders and with goalkeeper Noah W stranded, the ball was gently slotted home on the far post to make the score 2 – 1.

Luckily, heads did not go down and although Magpies failed to improve on their score, they were able to stabilise the game and eventually they came home worthy winners.

Our thanks goes to all the coaching team and the Umpires who give their time in support of the players … to David, Justin, Richard and Rae. Our thanks also goes to the parents who were once again noticeable for their positive support, for their sideline cheers and appreciation of good play.