Mens 7s vs IES M3

This was going to be a big test for the fledgling Magpies team. IES is sitting firmly on the top of the league with some very comfortable results under their belt. However, it could have been the wind, it could have been the rain that dampened the IES game but Magpies turned in yet another consistently good performance against a mainly adult team.

In the first quarter of the match Magpies used their tight skills and fast running both on and off the ball to dominate play in the IES half. Had they been equally as successful in the circle as they were outside, there would have been a hatful of goals.

As the half continued, IES pegged them back with more and more strong attacks and hard hitting shots. Somehow the ball came loose to the IES forward on the 23m line. He ran directly at the goal without challenge and as he neared he released a powerful shot. Luckily for Magpies, it was directly at goalkeeper Noah who stood his ground and confidently parried the ball out to the sideline. The new kit was definitely working! A couple of minutes later another shot thundered against the post as again Noah filled every available space between the posts.

In the second half Magpies continued to build on some excellent moves. Two first class passes into the circle and two very good hits rolled just across the feet of the IES keeper and left the spectators oooohing and arrrring for more. But it was not to be!

The Magpies defenders had a very busy day with James Smith marshalling them into a solid line of resistance. Alistair and Zach had a particularly good match supported by James and Luca and all four showed some good channelling and increasingly strong tackling. Also improved is their ability to release accurate passes to take the team out of danger and into attack. The one little blip in an almost perfect performance came at the end of the match when the defenders were unable to get control of the ball in the circle and as a result, a short corner was awarded. Thankfully the IES shot was wide and the final result remained at 0-0 much to the relief of the players and spectators!

Well done to all the players! Our thanks go to James, David and Richard who’s coaching on the pitch has given quality to the team play and knowledge and understanding to the individual players. To Rae for some timely substitutions! and to the Umpires who helped to make the game so exciting to watch. To Sam’s Mum and Dad for some very tasty refreshments and to all the spectators who seem to grow in numbers every week.

 You should give us a look, you won’t be disappointed!