GAME Week 1 v DURHAM UNITED LIONS (A)

Open weekend of the season is one of the best weekends of the year, everyone excited to get going, the sun is shinning and the pitches are in good condition. This weekend we had 2 out 3 of those things, the pitch was a mess!

The u14 squad have worked incredibly hard this preseason, double training sessions focusing on patterns of play, shape and fitness. Preseason fixtures have gone well, some good results, runners up in a competition and some really positive performances in defeat. Total was the ideal day to put the hard work into practice and start the season with a win.

Rutherford kicked off, opting to play down hill in the first half. The game started off in a very positive manner, our shape was excellent and the passing was crisp, accurate and positive. It wasn't long before Rutherford broke through the Durham defence and had the first shot on goal which was expertly saved by the impressive Durham keeper. Rutherford continued to play patient, passing football and breaking through onto goal but the finishes weren't quite there. Another great save from Liam, the follow up hitting the post was followed by a further great chance and save before Liam eventually broke the deadlock with a curling strike from the edge of the box into the top corner. It was an excellent strike and it was that kind of quality which was going to beat the Durham keeper.

Rutherford dominated the first half, with Durham rarely getting out of their own half, and it was Lewis who was next on the scoresheet with a long range shot high into the roof of the net. Liam score his second, Rutherfords third just before half time. 3-0 at the break but it could quite easily have be 6 or 7.

The half time team talk was short and sharp, "continue to pass the ball, take the ball on your back foot and play forwards, be compact and take pride in your clean sheet".

We knew the second half would be a harder prospect due to the slope, however Rutherford continued to retain possession and for the most part control the game, limiting Durham to hopeful long balls which caused some concern and resulted in a few corners and dangerous crosses. With 15 minutes to go, a water break was called due to the heat and the players gathered for a mini team talk "keep the ball, stay compact, break quickly". Thing were going to plan until Durham score a fluke of a goal, a mishit cross from 40 yards out saved over Mason's head and into the top corner. These things can't be prevented really, our defensive shape was good, Oliver was forcing the player wide and it was a total fluke Mason couldn't prepare for, however it was a blow and put some wind in the Durham players sails. Rutherford continued to pass, control the ball and play positive football, forcing a good save from the Durham keeper and creating chances which were scrambled away for corners and deep throw ins. However another long punt down the pitch forced a corner which Durham managed to scramble home. This was annoying as we'd defended crosses and long balls much better and the players didn't deserve to concede but that's football. 5 minutes left and it was Durham who were now in the ascendancy.

The Rutherford players stuck to their principles, passing the ball in triangles, not rushing or panicking and this resulted in a great opening for Alfie who was bundled to the ground inside the penalty area for an. obvious spot kick.

Alfie dusted himself off, picked up the ball and stepped confidently to take the kick, unfortunately it wasn't to be and the penalty went wide of the post with the keeper beaten.

These things happen but it mattered not as the game was over and Rutherford ran out deserving winners 3-2.

Some real stand out performances today, Joseph Dobson playing RCB was brilliant in the first half, calm and composed, never missing a tackle and starting attacks. Lewis in DCM was brilliant all match, protecting his back 3, sweeping up, starting attacks and scored a great goal. Birthday Boy Marc in ACM was unplayable at times, picking up position inbetween the lines, attacking defenders and drifting passed them with ease. Liam a constant threat with his pace, scoring two great goals. Oliver and Morgan in the second half really dug in, covered each other brilliantly and kept the door firmly shut for the most part.

However, the Player of the Match goes to Wiktor. Wiktors work rate was unbelievable today, he never stopped working both in attack and defence, he set up both Liams goals and created half a dozen more. His close control and skill were far too much for Durham to handle and he never neglected his defensive duties.

Well done everyone, off to winning start and a great performance.