South Rushden Jaguars vs Higham Ferrers Colts
Saturday 21st November 2009
 
The Jaguars moved into match day ten fresh from a great victory against Great Doddington White, Dan was given the honour of leading the team after the good all round team performance against the White’s. The match against Higham provided the team with a local derby with many of the Colt’s players being classmates of the Jaguars.
 
The coaches with a full squad to select from chose the following team:
 
Goal-keeper:           Josh Y.
Defence:       Finlay           Nathan
Midfield:       Tom             Oliver
Attack:                            Carter
 
The Colts kicked off, but it was the Jaguars who established the early pressure forcing a number of throws, but they came to nothing. The game was an even contest with neither side being able to take control.
 
After 8 minutes, the Jaguars won a corner which saw Carter and Nathan combine to create a chance for Tom which was well defended. A couple of minutes later, the Jags won another corner which gave Carter a number of chances to break the deadlock but again the Colts defence stood firm.
 
In order to the change the match, the coaches made a double substitution with Dan and Josh L replacing Nathan and Finlay. As at the start of the half the Jaguars again began to build some pressure on the Colts. A number of chances for Ollie and Carter were created but the Colts defence would not be breached.
 
The half drew to a close with the team still level 0-0. Could the half time team talk prove the key for the Jaguars?
 
The Jaguars kicked off the second half and immediately took charge. A great through ball from Dan to Carter produced a great opportunity to score. Carter moved the ball onto his left foot and calmly finished to put the Jaguars ahead. From the Colts restart, Carter intercepted the ball and put in a speculative shot which was excellently saved by Colts keeper. Dan continued to a put in some good touches. The good work was also seen in defence with Josh Y, Josh L and Ollie all making some good saves and blocks.
 
The game began be more open with chances being created at both ends. After 5 minutes of the second half the coaches again shuffled their pack bring Nathan and Finlay back into the fray for Carter and Tom.
 
The changes paid dividends as a defensive throw in for the Jaguars found Ollie whose excellent long ball picked out Nathan, who provided a great finish to put the team further ahead. Continuing good touches from Dan and Ollie seemed to be keeping the Jags comfortably in charge however a nervy final minutes, was assured when the Colts intercepted a Jaguars good kick and coolly finished. The Colts continued to press but the Jaguars held out with good contributions from Josh Y, John L and Finlay in defence in the closing stages of the game.
 
A hard fought victory against determined opposition. Josh Y’s performance earned the man of the match award and the captain’s armband for next week’s game, when battle is rejoined with the Higham Colts other team.
 
Well done team!!!!!!!!!!!