Iguanas v Ravens Youth

Jake 3
Lewis 1

A league game for Iguanas this week, and it was with good energy that the team took to the pitch in welcome early spring sunshine.

Oli, Jake, Lewis, Ethan and Fearne Dolly started for Iguanas, and early chances for both sides pointed to an exciting encounter ahead. No sooner had Jake shot wide of the Ravens’ goal than Iguanas were back in their own half, narrowly scrambling the ball off the goal line. It was end to end stuff and Jake had a couple more shots in the opening minutes but couldn’t quite find the target to capitalise.

Ravens were also creating chances, and two brave tackles in quick succession from Ethan ensured that the score line remained at nil-nil. Lewis was getting forward into some good space and indicating where he wanted the ball, putting into practice the drills Iguanas had been working on in training and was rewarded for his hard work when a big throw on from Jake fell well for him and he was able to put Iguanas ahead with a lovely goal to open the scoring.

Ravens were straight on the attack, and a great save from Oli kept Iguanas ahead. However, the pressure continued and Ravens managed to go equalise and then go ahead a few minutes later.

Fearne-Dolly and Lewis came off for Zach and Rafe. A short goal kick from Oli to Zach put the ball forward to Rafe and Jake and Jake was rewarded for hi hard work with a goal to equalise. 2-2

Jayden and Cole came on for Jake and Ethan, with Jayden playing in defence again after a cracking performance at the back last week. Iguanas were defending set pieces well, with good marking and Oli telling his team where he needed them to be when it came to corners. Maddison came on on for Rafe and was typically tenacious in her marking and pursuit of the ball. Jayden managed to get forward for a decent chance, and showed off his speed as he was able to race back and defend when the counter attack came. Cole was battling hard in the centre to win the ball for Iguanas, and getting back to defend well. Iguana ended the half 2-2.

The second half started with a bang as Jake tore into the Ravens’ half with a storming goal straight from the kick off, with not 30 seconds in the clock. A minute later Jake bagged another to seal his hat trick and put Iguanas 4–2 ahead.

Fearne-Dolly was showing good skill on the ball and making space, and Lewis was also getting into some useful positions up front. Ethan as ever was strong at the back, never afraid to make brave tackles one on one when Ravens surged forward. A great save from Oli kept the score line at 4-2, but just a few minutes later a Ravens bagged a third, leaving Iguanas with a slim one goal advantage.

Rafe came on for Fearne-Dolly, and was showing a bit more confidence and pace, communicating well with Zach as they produced a couple of well worked throw-ins. A good chance fell to Rafe as a great pass from Zach found him in front of the defender, with Rafe taking the ball forward by a few yards but shooting just a bit too soon to get enough power behind the shot.

Cole and Jayden were defending well at the back, tackling strongly and regaining possession for Iguanas. Cole had a goal disallowed for handball and another shot denied as the clock ticked down. With Maddison on for Rafe for the closing minutes, Iguanas worked hard to add to their tally, but the game finished 4-3.

It was a great match to watch, and Iguanas‘ strength on the pitch and number of chances created could have easily translated into many more goals on another day. It was great to see the players using their voices and pointing to where they wanted the pass to be placed, just as they had been practicing in training.

Iguana of the Match: Jake. A great hat trick from Jake this week, and a battling presence on the pitch, getting back to defend and winning the ball in midfield. Well done Jake and well done Iguanas!