Despite the continued poor weather, the 3G surface at the KGV continues to allow all groups to train regularly, as well as fit in some competitive matches. The College Field grass 9-a-side pitch has also come into use again for the U11s as they prepped towards their Schoolboy Muratti. (Report on that game to follow).
Year 4 – vs Bels
Angus Mackay’s Year 4s were recently challenged by Bels Year 5s at the KGV. The match was very close and gave a match opportunity to some of the Academy Year 5 players as well, who were playing for Bels.
This was another great chance for the 4s to work on playing as a group in the lead up to BWCI in the summer. The group showed a good togetherness, turning the game around late on to secure a win by a single goal.
Year 5 – vs Vale Rec
Back in early January, the Year 5s were once again split evenly into two groups, to take on two 7-a-side Vale Rec teams. The match ups were once again very challenging to both groups, with the Academy sides picking up some good results.
Vale Rec have some very talented players in this age group and made things difficult for the Aztech group. But some excellent football gave the Academy players some memorable moments, and surely confidence to build on as they continue to develop as a group.
Year 6 – vs Vale Rec
The Year 6 group went on to play this same Year 6 Vale Rec team a week later at the College Field. This time in a 9-a-side setting, the players from both sides were out to impress, and this made the game both competitive and fast paced. Vale Rec put up a strong resistance early only, taking the lead and looking to build on it.
The strength of the Academy side came through before half time, and a flurry of goals made the game safe. But Vale Rec made things very competitive again in the second half, keeping the Aztech players on their toes and working hard right up to the last minute.
Year 6 – vs Rovers
Their next challenge came up against arguably the strongest side in the U12 league. Rovers gave the players their final big test before the Jersey match. A very even first half was edged by Rovers 3-2, but the Academy side had bounced back from an early set back and taken a 2-1 lead.
All 16 players in line for a place in the Muratti squad got solid minutes, and players were challenged with different roles ahead of what they would be up against on March 10th. Rovers were more comfortable in the second half as players were rotated, but the Academy players continued to keep pace with them in terms of the quality of football being played, even if the goals were only going one way.
Year 7s vs Saints
The Year 7s were challenged by St. Martins Year 8s a couple of weeks back over half term. This was again a nice chance for players to get some football with many games on grass being called off.
The Academy side started stronger and were on top for much of the first half. A single goal gave them a first half lead, but it was the football they were playing and connections made all over the pitch which really caught the eye.
Saints picked up the challenge in the second half and fought back to tie the game, and possibly were unlucky not to get a winner. Some great Academy defending, and goalkeeping kept the scores level, with a counter attack goal always a possibility with the attacking threat of the Year 7s. The game finished 1-1 and provided a good start point for the Academy U12s as they push to play more games, and work on progressing as a group under the leadership of Jason Leaman and Brandon Wallace.
The pick of recent games might go to Ross Allen and Seb Vance’s Academy Year 8s who matched up against Vale Rec’s 9s. This was a thoroughly entertaining affair, with more than ten goals scored in the match played on the KGV.
The Academy side took an early lead but were pegged back by some pace and strength up front for Vale Rec. The football being played from the Aztech side was very attractive and helped keep them in the game, even as Vale Rec went 4-2 up just after the half way point.
The Academy side were rewarded for their patience with a late flurry of goals to give them a victory; but again it was the manor in which they tried to play that so excited the coaches, and provides a platform for them to build upon as we head through the Spring.
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