Salvesen U16’s vs. Uphall Diamonds
Scottish Youth Football Association Challenge Cup: Round 2
Venue: Kirtliston Leisure Centre Referee: Mike Smith Kick Off: 2pm
With Salvesen having lost the last 3 games today’s Scottish Cup tie was a must win and the boys in red did not disappoint with a n impressive 4-0 win over a dismal Uphall side provided no real threat.
With Salvesen attempting to play the ball on the deck from the off they immediately found an opening down the right flank through S19 who fizzed in a cross to the 6yd line where S2 couldn’t connect with the ball and score what would have been a certain goal. Without doubt a sign of things to come from the home side.
Salvesen then quickly retained the ball and added more pressure by forcing a corner from Uphall, taken by S7 but headed just over by the defence, for another that was driven to the near post by S15 only to be cleared by the defenders. Even this early in the match it became clear that Salvesen were showing more endeavour and engaging with the Uphall players.
With the game turning a bit scrappy, foolish free kicks were beginning to be given to Uphall around the edge of the Salvesen 18yd box. U14 wasted these scarce opportunities for the away side. U9 then hit a solid drive from the 18yd line but it went well wide. These were warning signs for Salvesen not to underestimate their opponents.
From a corner from the right by S4, in swinging and with pinpoint accuracy the ball was headed back across the goal, looking certain to give the lead the Salvesen. However a magnificent goal line clearance gave hope to Uphall, but could they weather the storm? U8 was ineffective as he had plenty of space to exploit but was reluctant to take on the Salvesen right back.
Salvesen then began to turn the screw with S15 showing an increasing willingness to get down the left flank and beat his man. It was his determination and a pass from S8, which led to a chance for Daniel Bertram to rifle the ball in from 20yds. S8 passed the ball across the edge of the area from the left directly into the path of the oncoming Bertram whose shot went in over the helpless U1.
With the score 1-0 the home team then went in search of a second, they were now showing complete dominance over a lacklustre Uphall team who don’t look like the are interested at all. Salvesen were putting Uphall under constant pressure whenever they had the ball and not giving them any time to settle and pick a good pass. S15 and S19 were particularly effective down the left and right wings respectively.
Uphall did have one or two chances especially from set pieces with U14 just heading over a U9 corner. Salvesen were putting themselves under pressure with the defence looking a little shaky and disorganised with the absence of S3. Thought Salvesen themselves looked dangerous from their own set plays with S5 going close from a corner taken by S4.
Salvesen again made another chance through S15 whose cross was miscontrolled by S6 and he couldn’t finish what was a glorious opportunity. Any attacks that Uphall had were on the counter but the impotent attack caused no threat and S1 was commanding at the back. No communication or movement from the Uphall attack was leading to frustration throughout their side, with U16 being particularly vocal.
Salvesen continued to press and went close when S2 and S15 combined down the left hand side and S15 had his cross come shot drop just wide of the far right hand post. Uphall then countered and were one on one with the goalkeeper with U12 however S11 manages to get his body in between and takes the ball from the Uphall player. A truly great piece of defending and excellent work rate from the young man who showed immense determination to get back.
Salvesen begin the second half in exactly the same way as they ended the first. This pressure and fight, leads to S19 getting the ball down the right and swinging in a wonderful textbook cross and S18 rises above the defence to make the score 2-0. Uphall are being completely overwhelmed by Salvesen, who are utilising the flanks to great effect.
Any prolonged possession that Uphall did get was wasted and a general lack of ideas and movement from the forwards is apparent. And it was quite a way into the half when they got their first opportunity when Y15 thrashed a ball into the side netting. No composure was shown at all from the forward and just compound the problems they are having on the day.
Salvesen then get their third through S15. S19 dribbles the ball past Y4 and drives in a low cross that comes off S2 and bobbles along the goal line where S15 was on hand to make sure the ball crossed the line. The goal capped an excellent performance by the left-winger.
Another was quickly added, when a free kick on the left was floated in by S18 and looked as if it was going out for a goal kick, the Uphall goalkeeper Y1 just left the ball but S19 came charging through and connected with a magnificent diving header on the far post. Excellent anticipation and demonstrates a difference in attitude from Salvesen.
Salvesen continued to pressurise the Uphall defence in search of another goal but it was to no avail and they had to make do with a 4-0 win. If they can keep this form up then they will be in with a good chance of progressing in the competition. The wingers S19 and S15 in particular looked incredibly impressive.
Uphall however looked a team in disarray with no cohesion and bereft of attacking threat. The goalkeeper was woeful with his distribution and decision making being a noteworthy lowlight.
Booked
n/a
Man of the Match
S19 – Salvesen U16’s
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