Wilberfoss Mavericks 3 vs 3 Rawcliffe U11 Black

Colts were on home turf for the first time this season as we welcomed Rawcliffe Blacks for our second game of the autumn season.

Rawcliffe always give us a good game, but we were fresh from a big win last week and feeling confident going into the match. That confidence immediately translated into total dominance in the early stages, as we had Rawcliffe on the ropes, attacking with real vigour and purpose.

Rawcliffe weren’t showing the resilience we expected from them, and it was all Colts in the opening 10 minutes. Our pressure finally paid off when Leon opened the scoring after a great tackle from Joel sparked a break down the left from Albert. It was no more than we deserved, and it wasn’t long before we doubled our lead, as a long-range effort from Leo somehow evaded the Rawcliffe keeper.

We were in complete control. Not only was our attacking play on point, but we were also watertight at the back, with Leo and Joel forming a formidable defensive barrier. Our dominance was rewarded with a third goal from Leon, who hassled and pressed their defender into losing possession, allowing our star striker to score his second of the game — and his sixth already this season.

Half-time was approaching and all we needed to do was maintain possession and see the game out. However, a horrendous kick-in from Joel in his own half was pounced upon by a Rawcliffe attacker, who slotted the ball past OJ to give us something to think about at the interval.

We told the boys to put that mistake out of their heads and focus on what had been a hugely positive first half. However, we were also very aware that Rawcliffe’s goal would have given them hope and belief that they could get back into the game.

Sure enough, Rawcliffe started the second half looking like a completely different team. Dougie had come off at half-time and it was clear that we were missing his work rate and energy in the middle of the park. Rawcliffe were beginning to get a foothold in the game, although fortunately Joel and Leo were both on top form, denying them any real clear-cut opportunities.

The momentum shift was clear to see, and it felt like Rawcliffe were tentatively edging their way back into the contest. The game had become much more open, with chances at both ends. Albert went close for the Colts before Joel produced another crucial intervention, clearing an effort off the line at the other end.

Then came five minutes of madness as the clock ticked towards full-time and the Colts pushed for the killer goal.

Freddie, in particular, had become a man possessed, battling tenaciously down the right wing. It was his superb run and cross that created a chance for Leon, only for the effort to be blocked on the line. Soon after, Freddie was at it again, delivering another dangerous low cross across the face of goal. What followed was absolute chaos, as somehow both Albert and Leon were denied on the goal line.

Freddie then had another effort cleared off the line in the final few minutes, leaving us wondering how on earth we hadn’t put the game to bed.

Those missed chances, combined with a touch of complacency from the Colts, gave Rawcliffe one final glimmer of hope. Sure enough, another poor kick-in in our own half gifted them a second goal, leaving the game on a knife edge with only minutes remaining.

And then came the sucker punch.

No sooner had that goal hit the net than Rawcliffe followed it up with the equaliser — an incredible long-range lob that left OJ with no chance and brought the final score to 3–3.

A real sucker punch for the Colts, but full credit to Rawcliffe for an incredible comeback. Their resilience and never-say-die attitude deserves huge credit.

There’s no doubt about it: we should have won this one. At 3–0 up, we should have been home and dry, but we were punished for two costly individual mistakes and were also guilty of missing some huge chances in the second half. Ultimately, we lacked the killer instinct to put the game beyond doubt.

That said, a point against very strong opposition is still a good result. But if we want to succeed in this league, we’ll need to maintain our focus for the full 50 minutes, cut out the individual errors and learn to put games like this to bed when we have the opportunity.

Coaches’ POTM: Joel

A defensive masterclass from Joel today. He tackled everything, put his body on the line and made some huge clearances throughout the game. He really stepped up today, delivering a strong, mature and commanding performance.

Parents’ POTM: Dougie

Rawcliffe’s period of dominance in the second half coincided with Dougie being off the pitch, and it highlighted just how much we miss him when he’s not pulling the strings in the middle.

His drive and energy are so important to the team, and he is often the catalyst for our best moves, particularly when we transition from defence into attack.

????Leon ??Leo

??Albert