Leopards Shine In The Sun

The Leopards completed their pre season preparations, as they travelled to face a Strood United side who will be in the division above us next season.

The visitors had a number of absentees with Vincent, Teddy, Jacko, Callum unavailable then Ryan feeling unwell on the morning. So with the addition of Harry from the u12s Pumas, we also managed to get Harry's team mate Jacques to play as he was their watching his brother play before. He needed to borrow shorts, his brothers shin pads(!) and Jamie's boots!

Zach Mitchell happily went in goal and Harry slotted in at right back alongside Josh & Elliot, while Jacques filled in at right midfield.

Despite the cobbled together team, the Leopards started strongly and moved the ball around superbly in midfield.

They soon broke the deadlock as Ollie's ball over the top towards Luke was palmed away by the keeper but Ollie was their to slot into the empty net.

The Leopards then doubled their advantage as Connor found Joseph bursting from midfield and his low drive from the left corner of the box found the far corner.

The visitors continued to grow in confidence and added another as Zach Williams teed up Ollie on the edge of the box and he smashed an unstoppable shot past the keeper.

The hosts did have a couple of breaks, but the back 3 of Harry, Josh & Elliot were all showing excellent positioning and composure to win possession and play the ball forward.

And they added another before half time, as Ollie found Joseph on the edge of the box and his powerful shot went through the keeper.

Into the Second Half and the Leopards carried on where they left off as Max, now playing in behind the front two of Luke & Hayden, superbly played Jacques in inside the box, he took a touch before sliding past the keeper.

Hayden then added his name to the scoresheet as Zach Mitchell (now on pitch as Jacques admirably went in goal) found Hayden inside the box and his snap shot looped over the keeper and into the roof of the net.

The Leopards grabbed another as Zach Williams' flag kick was flicked on by Zach Mitchell's scorpion kick before deflecting into the net off a Strood defender.

The visitors added another 2 in the closing stages as Max cheered himself up (probably!) by netting a brace. Firstly excellent link up play by the front 3, as Joseph's ball forward was laid off by Hayden to Max, Max found Luke who tee'd up Max to unleash an absolute rocket from outside the area which gave the keeper no chance. He then doubled his tally as he smashed a free kick from 25 yards into the top corner (he did tell he would do that last week if I let him take free kicks - assist for me?!)

Parents Player of the Match: Ollie;
Coaches Player of the Match: Connor.

Coaches Thoughts;
Before the match I was a bit concerned about our lack of numbers and missing key players, particularly a keeper. But i should have had more faith in the boys as they made it look easy today.
The defensive shape was excellent (time well spent by Prince at training) and the back 3 all used the ball well.
The midfield worked excellently as a unit, again good shape and busy out of possession then moved the ball positively in possession.
And the forwards worked well together, and linked up play well getting 3 goals and 2 assists between them!
Few little bits to sharpen up on (like throw ins!) but a very good performance and for once, scored the goals we deserved!
And again a massive thank you to Harry & Jacques for helping us out today, made a massive difference for us. Both played well and certainly didn't look out of place!