Pentwyn Dynamos Under 16s 2013/14

Saturday January 14th 2012

Pentwyn Leisure Centre

Cardiff and District Under 14 A Division

Pentwyn Dynamos 1 - 8 Maindy Corries

Williams

From the minute I arrived at the pitch I knew Today was going to be a NIGHTMARE. The pitch had a good frost on it and I was debating as to wether it was playable, our keeper Bradley was away, meaning Danny had to play in goal and Charlie was out injured - 3 important players for us, 2 missing completely and the other missing from the outfield. It was only decided at 10.15am that we would play - and to top it off the ref I had booked didnt turn up leaving me to do the honours - so my only chance to coach would be at half time.

That said, we started extremely well and should have taken the lead when Chris burst through but shot wide.

For the first 10-15 mins we were the better side, but after that Maindy got their game together and it was all one way traffic. We defended for our lives in the first half, Danny was doing well in goal and made a great save down to his left, touching the ball around the post.

Maindy took the lead with a well taken goal and I feared the worst, Maindy missed a penalty and we made it to half time at 0-1.

I told the boys at half time they were in with a chance and to get at Maindy in the second half - and they did. Were soon level as Kieran pounced on a rare mistake from Chris in the Maindy goal. Sam and Chris were holding their own in the midfield - Sam in particular was working his socks off. Chris was imposing himself and trying to support Kieran up top. Ellis was looking good at the back and you would never have believed Danny had never played in goal before. Maybe my fears for this match were unfounded -30 mins left, 1-1 with a weakend side and I was thinking we might get something from this - I couldnt have been more wrong!

From then on we fell apart, we stopped closing down, we stopped forcing them wide - allowing Kai to score the same goal TWICE - and then Alfie to do it too!! I am told the fifth goal should have been disallowed due to a handball - but I can only call it as I see it and I was unsighted so had to allow the goal.

Maindy were awarded a second penalty and to his credit Danny saved it well with his legs, a well deserved plus for him on an otherwise difficult morning.

We conceded SEVEN goals in the last 25 mins - as I type this I still cant believe it. I know we were weakened but sureley this was more to do with rustiness having not played since Nov 12th, given the first half scoreline.

So it was 8-1 and it could have been so many more - Maindy missed 2 pens, hit the post 4 times and the bar once! I thought Maindy were very good and its hard to believe they have had a poor season thus far - they look a good side to me. We must learn from this and hopefully we will have blown away the cobwebs from 6 weeks without playing.