U7 Bobcats Match Report – 26 November 2023

Together is the best word to summarise the Bobcats performance yesterday. I have watched quite a few other teams play over the past few weeks and our team spirit is unmatched. The way the boys look out for each other, encourage each other, celebrate together – a proper team! A moment to encapsulate this – I heard Reggie come up to Samuel (who was nervously waiting to take his first turn in goal) and say “don’t worry Samuel, I won’t let anyone take a shot at you” .

It was a slow start to the game today, with the boys quickly going two goals down to a very capable opposition, but as we have come to expect, they showed fighting spirit, resilience and determination, to take control of the game and completely turn it around.

The report has to start with Cohan today. An all round performance to be proud of. Cohan filled in for Seb in goal twice during the game, saved almost everything that came towards him and got a couple of assists with the ball in his hands (just as he was asked to do). On the pitch was even more of a triumph, with 4 goals (one from the half way line) and signs of a new role within the team – taking up a deeper defensive position (quarterback style), picking of opposition attacks and either mazing up the pitch or finding an excellent through ball. We are very proud of you Cohan

Another stand out performance came from Reggie (our Captain for the match). Yet another hattrick for our box to box midfield – including a goal from a corner . Reggie won the ball all over the pitch, brought everyone into play and as always filled the players around him with that extra 10% – with his contagious work rate, positivity and powerful play. This boy is a superstar – we are very proud of you Reggie

Bradley is a player that consistently impresses, adding another two goals to his ever growing tally for the season. Another very powerful player, who has the heart and determination of a . Bradley added a lot in both halves of the field today, was a nuisance for the opposition defence (who were good players by the way) and made some great decisions in what was his most controlled / assured performance of the season in my opinion. We are very proud of you Bradley

Obie stepped up again today. His performances are stronger and stronger every week. His versatility is so impressive – equally adept as our at the back and as a midfield enforcer. Obie has progressed from competently winning possession back for his team, to confidently keeping and distributing the ball around the pitch and is playing an ever important role in the success of this group. He deserves more goals! Keep up the great work champ! We are very proud of you Obie

Samuel was asked to utilise his athleticism today to carry the ball and impact play higher up the pitch and boy did he do that! A number of powerful runs past 2-3 players – his speed is frightening and he really did deserve a goal today. He was solid and disciplined at the back, giving others freedom and kept a clean sheet in his first appearance in goal . The exposnential growth in confidence is great to see. A performance to be proud of . We are very proud of you Samuel

The three remaining players had the best performances of their seasons today.

Harry has quickly become our Rory Delap, with his accurate long throws unlocking the defence and creating numerous chances for us today. He defended really well as always, but was noticeably more assured in positions higher up the pitch today. His ball control / dribbling, ability to turn under pressure and speed of thought when under pressure were all greatly improved, in a fantastic performance from Mr Positivity . We are very proud of you Harry

Teddy had a big impact on the game today, with his ability to pressure, unsettle and win the ball back from opposition players, key to us getting control of the game back. He worked hard for long periods of the game, kept his focus and took up a number of great positions to help his team. Another player who has taken massive strides forward over the past 2-3 weeks . We are very proud of you Teddy

Seb has been Mr reliable in goal for the entire season and we are truly thankful to have such a good player between the sticks. But even more pleasing to see, is Seb’s progress on the pitch – pressing from the front, strong challenges to win the ball back and a calm controlled dribbling display (even under pressure at the back). Seb added a lot to our display today. We are very proud of you Seb

Thanks for the support as always from a great set of parents.

Mike