Hemsworth Town FC U12 Whit 6 vs 3 Bawtry Juniors Football Cl

A high-tempo, end-to-end game where we showed real moments of quality in possession and created enough chances to win the game. The first half we should have been out of sight. Ultimately, Hemsworth’s physicality, and clinical finishing proved the difference, but there were several positives in our play, particularly our chance creation, bravery on the ball, and the intensity. We asked for a reaction from recent games and we got it including when we made substitutions.

We lined up in a 3-2-3, aiming to stifle the opposition's "Peter Crouch", which worked extremely well first half and then build centrally and release the front three early. The team committed to the shape well and produced two goals and several good attempts.

We started with good intent. Frankie intercepted inside the first minute, and Seth immediately began to dictate with forward passes that broke lines. James defended aggressively on the left with some excellent tackles and passes into midfield, and Harry produced two early slide-rule passes that opened Hemsworth up.

Ivy was lively from the outset, playing a little further wide in midfield, getting a shot away in the fourth minute and linking play with a mixture of long passes and balls into feet. Ivy's corner taking was quality the entire game. Quentin also threatened with two quick attempts, one saved and one wide and two more just before the end of the half and on another day could have easily bagged a brace.

Our early pressure paid off in the 8th minute. Quentin's industrious approach epitomised what we were asking of the team and his effort was spot on, leading to him being brought down in the box for a penalty.

Seth, usually deadly from dead ball situations had his penalty saved, however, the appetite to win the rebound was brilliant with Harry following in and finding Frankie with a short pass to the back post, where Frankie finished calmly from close range.

A deserved reward for our positive start.

Defensively, Frankie, Lewis, and James were busy throughout the opening period, making tackles, clearances, and interceptions further forward than usual and intercepting early as Hemsworth tried to push forward. Lewis in his customary central defensive role was immaculate, wining every duel and distributing the ball well. Harry, Seth and Mikey continued to create chances, with Harry going close twice and Mikey threading passes through tight spaces and running to recieve the return pass.

At 18 minutes, we made a triple change with our two new team mates joining in the game:

Jacob on for Frankie

Oliver on for James

Joseph on for Seth

Fresh legs helped us maintain intensity and each contributed to continued dominance of the match.

Joseph made an immediate impact with a slide-rule pass, and Jacob contributed defensively with a well-timed tackle. Joe Harris produced a superb full-stretch save in the 23rd minute to keep us in front.

Our pressure was rewarded again just before the break. After a spell of sustained attacking play, and three more attempts, a long range from Joseph, a save from Mikey and a back post miss from Q, before Ivy delivered a corner and Joseph Wilson headed home from close range in the 29th minute, bringing us back to 2–0 and looking good for our money at half-time.

Hemsworth struck immediately on half time with a soft goal and totally against the run of play and then straight after the restart with a long-range effort (31’), before adding another inside the box shortly after (34’). This knocked us and was totally what the team's confidence did not need after what was a brilliant first 30. Despite this setback, we responded well.

Harry equalised in the 37th minute, following a sublime through ball from Joseph, Harry's initial shot was well saved, unperturbed Harry followed in finishing confidently inside the box after the rebound and good build-up play. Joseph continued to create chances, and Joe Harris produced another outstanding save at full stretch at the other end.

Hemsworth regained control with a goal direct from a corner (42’) and then added two more well-worked team goals (45’ and 47’). Their finishing was ruthless, and this period ultimately decided the match.

We still created opportunities: Jacob after winning the ball in defence played an excellent long pass through to his brother who controlled expertly in midfield before setting us off on another attack. Mikey with a long pass led to a chance (49’), Seth then struck the outside of the crossbar and post with a well-hit volleyed effort that nearly had me doing a Mourinho down the touchline (51’).

Joseph and Ivy continued to supply passes into dangerous areas and worked well together in tight spaces.

Hemsworth rounded off their scoring with a long-range strike in the 56th minute which ultimately killed any chance off of a result.

Oliver who is in his first season, and learning his trade in defence, played right of midfield for the last ten minutes and did not disappoint, winning several duals and after dancing through the middle of their defence forced an excellent save late on from their keeper (62’).

Despite the scoreline, the team kept pushing, stayed brave, and continued to play forward.

Key positives for the coaches from the team, was the consistent chance creation. Strong defensive interventions playing with intensity and winning their individual duals. Not getting caught out from throwings or the bounce of the ball from goal kicks, often winning the ball first which is something we will continue to work on as this has been a focus area for development.

Joe Harris produced two or three top-quality saves and his passing to a team mate from goal kicks was much improved.

Substitutes made a genuine impact, especially Joseph with a goal and several key passes.

Resilience we equalised and kept playing the right way.

Hemsworth punished every lapse; we need tighter distances and quicker reactions in transition. This will come.

Our defensive unit is still learning to work together, communication and compactness will be a focus.

We created enough chances to stay in the game; now we need to convert more of them.

Managing momentum swings is key, staying calm and connected after conceding.

A tough result, given the performance with plenty of positives. The team showed bravery, creativity, and real effort throughout. The score line did not reflect the quality of some of our play, which was echoed by the opposition coach's comments I shared after the game. We will keep building structure, confidence, and consistency with the signs of progress being there for all to see

PPotM = Ivy CPotM = Frankie