I hate it when the lads play on these miniture pitches! I also hate it when we're milling around waiting for some organisation! God I'm grumpy!
At least the rain eased up by the time we started playing and we even got blazing sunshine in the third game! The lads turned up in force today with only Ewan missing from the present squad. The lads are going to need all their concentration and all the luck going today as playing on such small fields can be a real leveller!

Today's Squad:
Declan, Niall, Hassan,, Aaron, James, Ross, Jonathan, Owen, Mike, Sion, Leo

Round up of Today's results
Marlboro Eagles 2 Llanishen Dons 1
Marlboro Eagles 1 Whitchurch 2
Marlboro Eagles 1 Urdd B 0

Hassan's inswinging corner glances the crossbar against Whitchurch.

Urdd restrict the Eagles to one goal by packing the defence. Very effective on a small pitch!

Game one saw us seek a little revenge on Llanishen Dons who just pipped us 1-0 at Llanishen Park a few weeks ago. On that day the managers had a very small squad at their disposal and the lads showed a marked drop in form so it was good to see the lads take an early one goal lead after a mishandle by the opposing keeper. Even though the Eagles were well in charge Llanishen snuck a close range equaliser just before half time. However, once again the lads responded and took control of the second half. Although the lads only found the net once more it was enough as Llanishen found breaching our defence beyond them!

Game two saw a rematch with Whitchurch who the lads beat on the opening day of the season at Hailey Park. After falling behind to an early goal the lads responded well and score just on the stroke of half time. Whitchurch started the second period strongly and pressed forward with wave after wave of attack. Eventually, despite a fine effort of a save by Jon, Whitchurch took the lead again. This fired up the lads for a grandstand finish and after pressing forward managed a series of shots at the Whitchurch goal. The Whitchurch keeper, Will, had an inspried game and kept our heroes at bay until the final whistle.

The final game was against Urdd B and the game vividly displayed how a limited team can hold a more talented side at bay on a very small, very sticky pitch. The photo above clearly displays such tactics! Despite total control and raining in shot after shot the lads won the game with a solitary goal!

Owen and Dec discuss tactics at half timeagainst Whitchurch