NW Phantoms 1 vs 0 hook youth

Premier league match, but this time the derby, with 24 players on the
pitch today attending RMS... It was pleasing that game was played in a
competitive but very good spirit, with boys chatting to each other
before and after game.

Phantoms started brightly first 5 mins, but then had their customary
wobble, giving away cheap corners and possession when a bit of
composure would have helped. Hook attacked well, applying 'direct'
pressure over a 10 minute period and we were fortunate to be level.

15-20 mins into the game we got our passing game going and was I able
to click away on the pass counter device that kept me busy. After a
few really good spells of play phantoms got the first goal with a neat
shot into the corner of the goal as our players remained calm on the
edge of box looking to set one of our players.

Half time. Boys agreed that the passing game with the switch passes
were proving very effective, whereas the panicked play was not helping
our game.

Second half and Phantoms were the stronger team, playing mature
football with the ball player having so many support options. One
particular move, the ball went backwards and forwards on a couple of
occasions, before the ball was switched and they created a goal
scoring opportunity from it. Defence was strong better covering
options than last week. Phantoms continued to push for second goal,
but conscious that we needed to play the game out. Last 10 mins we
were looking susceptible to the counter attack, with their very clever
central striker playing in front of the back four, looking to play in
the wide man with the ball between CB and FB. Without silent weekend
we may have had less players going forward ;-)