Robs U13's have been under the "pump" in recent weeks with several squad members missing due to family holidays and illness.
Sundays game was all the more challenging due to the extreme wind gusts and poor pitch conditions. We witnessed an unusual sight of last minute pitch preparations with several wheel barrows of sand wheeled in to fill in the "craters" and soak up the "swimming pool". The officiating referee "allowed" to match to proceed on this pitch.
First half began facing against the wind (a massive disadvantage). Excellent 1 - 2 touch passing, from goalie Armin, to Ari on backline to Sam and Elmin in midfield. An unfortunate slip-up in a midfield pass not making its mark, meant an opposition intercept allowed a tap, assisted by the strong wind to reach the back of the net in a shocking instant. We forged on despite the gale wind, pushing the ball into our defensive half.
Second half, after an exhausting first half, we were able to pepper the goal with shots of our own. A slip up by Morningtons goalie allowed the gusts to carry the ball into the net, getting Heatherton on the scoreboard. Halfway through the second half, Mornington took a corner shot at goal, initially deflected then struck again for goal, taking the lead again. The game carried on with numerous attempts a goal. Din, Artan, Dino and Ibrahim all worked extremely hard bring the ball forward.
The game finished with a 2 - 1 loss, but am pleased with the effort put in. A little more luck was needed for he ball to find the net on the day. I was also pleased with Dino's dad, Yasmin, mentioning his expectations of behaviour and language both on and off the pitch. Well done!
I don't remember ever mentioning it before, however it can't be left unsaid, that the temperment was most "unusual" for an U13's game, and the behaviour permitted on the pitch was disappointing. As coach Rob, mentioned in his debrief, we are not to respond to rot on the field and not to stoop to levels of behaviour beneath us. Perhaps a more experienced / mature officiator would have controlled the situation somewhat better, but we get who we get and we will always put our best foot forward in terms of behaviour and fairness.
Hoping for a more positive vibe next week.