Flames v Calne Youth

Flames 4 Calne Youth 3 (HT Flames 3 Calne Youth 1)
Man Of Match: Dan

Phew. After being pulled back from a 3-0 lead, an intense finish saw the Flames holding onto a hard earned 4-3 result. After a superb first half of football which saw a rapid, 12 minute hat-trick from Ed, Calne gradually got hold of the game and worked to get back in the match.

After scoring 2 minutes before half-time, Calne went into the break knowing they had the slope, the wind and the momentum behind them. Resilient defending and threatening break-aways became the Flames main tools in the second half, and after losing both Sam C and Ryan to injury relied heavily on compact defending to keep Calne away from their goal.

On balance a deserved win and great reward for the excellent, confident, flair play of the first half. This was the Flames best half of football this season, with smart passes and decisive runs threatening to tear the opposition apart.

Things to work on:-

• Compact defending, need to move up quickly and as a unit
  
• Midfield to get closer to the defence when being pressed back
  
• Play yourself out of trouble, never 'just clear it'; the ball just comes back
  

Some positives:-

• We didn't let our heads drop as Calne came back into the game
  
• Confidence and flair on the ball - great creative play
  
• Corners, Goalkicks and Shape - good throughout the game
  

Ashley W
Another good performance from Ash at Left Wing back. Always prepared to get involved.

Dan T
Held his position well at Right Wing Back. Rarely beaten on the wing and made some good breaks down the flank when the time was right.

Ali E
Played a good, solid midfield game. Given little opportunity by Calne to break forward but used this situation well to defend on the right and offer support when in attack.

Ed M
Looked confident in front of goal, scored a great hat-trick. Made quick and decisive runs which caused the Calne defence many problems.

Sam C
A strong first half setting up plays from the centre of midfield. Suffered an unfortunate injury mid-way through the second half.

Adam D
Once again, played a number of positions over the course of the game. Great commitment and focus to work hard, compete, and win the ball where-ever he was positioned. Filled in well for Ryan G when he left the field injured.