Rochdale U12s 6-0 Carlisle U12s

Venue: Castle Irwell, Salford
Date: 18^th September, 2005

We've never played Carlisle before because our matches have always been arranged for us to travel to Carlisle in the winter which is impossible due to the current Ice Age there. However we're at home today and much needs putting right from last week. We're short of several players this week which means we only have a squad of twelve for the game but typically we've produced good displays in the past where this has been the case because the boys know they will get a full game.

Coffee arrangements are now in place, sweets are in plentiful supply and I slaughter Alex's brother William at conkers during the breaks even though he keeps giving me ones with cracks in them.

1^st Third

Dale start strongly playing with the slope. The team has a solid look to it and its clear that last week is forgotten as the first two minutes produce more football than the entire match last week. Gregg is in commanding form and has his best game so far, not that he has that much to do but he commands his area, catches well and takes back-passes from his defence and restarts the game very professionally.

James, Dom and Jordan play a lovely passing game which is great to watch and this week the boys want the ball to feet to keep the moves going. Alex also has his best game and along with Elliott sends some great passes down the line. Strong tackling in midfield from Sam and Aaron backed up by impressive and creative football from Brad and Josh ensure that Dale quickly have a stranglehold on the game. Chris is quick to take the ball from Gregg to launch attacks down the wing and is solid in the tackle. Our new forward Kaifer (hope I've spelt it right) looks more confident with each game and runs strongly with the ball.

I've watched James since he was 8 years old and he does today what he did then, pulls the ball under control, sets it up on the left foot and its in the net. Aaron does the same with his right but from further out and drills in a lovely shot into the corner of the goal. We clap them off and its good to see the bounce in the step again.

Its also good to see Dan back on the touchline following his serious leg injury. He's now walking freely and will soon be back in training. His dad tells us he caught 15 carp at the weekend but we don't know what they are. We decide that whatever they are, you must be able to catch them from the Star Inn on Edenfield Rd.

The third ends up 2:0

2^nd Third

More of the same. Carlisle have lost their first two matches and although they lack confidence they do show some nice touches. Gregg pulls off a superb save and the boys re-double their efforts. In this third, the constant Dale pressure pays off. Sam scores an excellent bullet header from a superb corner from Brad and then finishes this third off with a left foot shot past the Carlisle keeper. Sam tells me later that his shot nearly took the net off but I point out that this is probably because we forgot to put the metal pins in at the back of the goal.

Dale are now passing the ball around with real intent. Dom has his best game so far and on a couple of occasions was unlucky that the ball just wouldn't fall properly for him. Jordan makes good space for himself and some of the best passing moves start with him. Aaron is brought down in a heap by a Carlisle defender but smiles and gets up again.

Josh, Brad and Elliot have more space to move into in this third and use it to great effect. All three have a superb side step which completely throws the opposition who time after time wondered where they'd gone.

Second third ends up 4:0

3^rd third

Both Aaron and James score again in this third, both goals coming at the end of well developed moves from defence to midfield through to the attack. Carlisle to their credit finish stronger than they start which is more than can be said for William's conkers. At 6:0 the boys lose their way a touch as everyone tries to score as quickly as possible and we lose shape a bit. Alex is presented with a mouthful of Carlisle defenders arm but the smile never falters.

Game ends 6:0

There will be tougher matches than this but Carlisle were well beaten and the boys should be happy with their performance. Above all, the sight of the boys clearly enjoying the match is a big change from last week, long may it continue.