Great Bradford Guardians v Iguanas

Rafe
Cole
Lewis
Jayden
Jake

Iguanas has won one lost one against Great Bradfords Guardians in the league this season, and Iguanas went into the match full of confidence after a great performance the week before despite not coming away with the win.

A determined start by Iguanas lead to early chances for Cole, Rafe, Maddison and Jake, with Iguanas playing down hill on a sticky pitch. 3 minutes in and Iguanas went ahead after a great pass from Jake to Rafe who found the top corner with a great half volley.

The momentum was with Iguanas, and Cole was working really hard from his defensive position, venturing forward to get shots in but getting back to close down Guardians, and tackling skilfully to regain the ball. He was soon rewarded with a goal to take Iguanas two nil up with less than five minutes on the clock.

The chances kept coming for Iguanas. Maddison was battling hard in front of goal and almost got on the score sheet, and Rafe was unlucky not to add to his tally as the half progressed. Ollie was having a quieter time in goal but kept his concentration and was at the ready with two great saves when Guardians did find a way through.

With Lewis and Jayden on the pitch, the good passing continued to flow for Iguanas and Lewis made it three nil. Guardians were putting together some counter attacks but Jake was getting back to deal with them, making the tackles count and regaining possession for Iguanas. Confidence was flowing and there were some silky skills on display from Jayden, who did a nice little back heel and turn for the crowd to enjoy. It was great to see the team feeling relaxed and in charge of the game.

Ollie was starting to have a bit more to do, with Guardians hitting Iguanas on the counter attack leaving Ollie one on one with the forward but an excellent save kept Iguanas three up.

The passing from Jake and Cole getting the ball up to Lewis and Jayden was excellent, it was great to see all their training being put to good use with both showing great accuracy. Iguanas looked like they might score again, and fresh legs in the form of Ethan and Zach gave the side another boost.

A Guardians substitution saw an excellent striker brought on who started to open up Iguanas defence, and against the run of play Guardians managed to grab a goal making the score line 1-4 to Iguanas. Not to be dismayed, Iguanas almost immediately added to their tally with a goal from Jayden, followed by a spectacular goal celebration where he lapped the spectators at the edge of the pitch.I’m not sure if it was the new man bun hair or just the sheer joy of Iguanas being three goals ahead but Jayden was playing with real confidence which was lovely to see.

Guardians were determined to find a way through as the half drew to a close, and some great keeping by Ollie was the only thing between Iguanas conceding. With pressure building Guardians were able to score another.

Ethan regrouped in defence and with support from Zach and Fearne Dolly Iguanas tightened up at the back. Guardians were pushing hard as the clock ticked down and some excellent goalkeeping from Ollie made the difference for Iguanas as we hit half time with the score line at 2-4 on our favour.

As the second half started, the increasing sticky pitch was going to make it hard work, and this time we were attacking uphill. Early pressure applied by Iguanas gave chances to Rafe and Maddison and Jake had a couple of great shots saved or go wide.

Cole was making some great tackles in the middle of the park, showing real skill in getting the ball, turning and getting forward. The down hill advantage was working in Guardians favour and they scored to take the game to 3-4. Exposed at the back, Ollie made yet another great save as again he found himself one on one with their striker. Iguanas were looking a bit wobbly for the first time in the match and in danger of losing their now slender lead.

Lewis and Fearne Dolly were now on, and Fearne Dolly was getting stuck in with some lovely tackles out on the wing and a great pass into Cole. Ethan and Zach were now on as well, with Ethan’s cool level headedness in defence was much needed to protect Iguanas one goal lead.

Zach was tracking back well and making tackle in mid field to try and regain possession, and the game was turning into a really battle as both teams were playing well and closely matched, with the win within reach for either of them. Ollie and Ethan were working excellently together and Ethan was making brave tackles to win the ball back for Iguanas. A particularly brave block by Ethan lead to him being hit full in the face by the ball. His team mates rallied round him and he came off to recover, with Cole stepping up to replace him. Jayden also came back on for Fearne Dolly.

Another fabulous save by Ollie denied Guardians an equaliser. Cole made a brilliant tackle on the edge of the box to stop Guardians getting another shot on goal.

Ethan was back on the pitch, recovered from his ball in the face, and immediately called upon to make brave tackle showing that his earlier injury had not deterred him from getting stuck in. Some lovely passing between Zach, Jayden and Cole started to build momentum for Iguanas. Ethan and Ollie couldn’t relax though as Guardians strove to equalise, with Ethan once again making some important clearances and Ollie getting to every shot on goal.

Jake came on for Cole in the closing minutes and made a fantastic run from the back past three players and struck powerfully into the net just as the full time whistle blew. A well deserved goal that was beautifully taken!

A fantastic team performance today - such good passing and great communication between players. The team were a pleasure to watch and created so many goal scoring opportunities.

Iguana of the match - Cole. A fantastic game for Cole today, who made every tackle count and did exactly what was asked of him by his managers, giving them a 110%. Well done Cole and well done Iguanas!