South Rushden Jaguars vs Finedon Volta Hurricanes

Saturday 3^rd October 2009

Match day three quite literally blew into Irchester with a distinctly autumnal feel in the air, as the Jaguars looked forward to their first match against opposition from a different club.

The coaches shuffled the team again with a number of changes from the line-up that started against the Puma’s last week:

Goal-keeper: Tom

Defence: Josh Y. & Josh L. (Capt.)

Midfield: Oliver & Finlay

Attack: Carter

Josh L captained the team after his high octane performance against the Pumas.

Finedon kicked off with the Jaguars facing the twin disadvantage of kicking up-hill and into the teeth of gusting wind. The Hurricanes made the most of these factors to apply some early pressure to the Jaguars goal winning a series of throw-ins and corners. Excellent defensive play saw the Josh’s combine to clear away a particularly dangerous corner. The Hurricanes continued to press forward and their pressure eventually paid dividends when they intercepted a goal keeper and skilfully lobbied Tom to take the early advantage. Finedon continued to press bringing a good save from Tom in the Jaguar’s goal.

The Jaguars weathered this period of pressure and the loss of the goal saw them start to gain a greater share of the possession. Good work from Oliver and Carter in midfield allowed a number of half chances to be created, whilst Volta remained dangerous due to their fast counter attacks.

Excellent exchanges between Oliver and Carter saw a fine block from the Hurricane’s goalie, but all he could do was to deflect the ball back into Carter’s path and he coolly slotted home his first goal of the season - just reward for his two excellent previous displays.

The Hurricanes roared back forcing a good block from Oliver and excellent save by Tom. But the Jaguars inspired by the goal, created further chances with Carter and Oliver tormenting the Volta defence with excellent inter-play. Jaguars took the lead thanks to a strong run by Oliver and as the defence stood off, he expertly crossed to Carter who again fired home.

With confidence flowing through the team, bodies were laid on the line to maintain the lead with Josh Y twice blocking Volta attacks and Tom producing another save.

An amazing first half performance was capped when Carter intercepted a Volta goal kick and secured his first League hat-trick with another excellent finish.

Half time brought two substitutions with Nathan replacing Finlay after a good supporting performance in midfield and Daniel replacing Tom after a another great display in goal, and in a tactical switch Josh Y moved back into goal.

The second half saw the Jaguars continue to play exciting flowing football with the team stringing together three, four or five passes to turn defence into attack. Carter’s silky skills caused terror in the Hurricane’s defence every time he received ball. Oliver’s excellent all round performance saw him popping up all over the pitch. Defensively, Nathan and Josh L were strong. Nathan turned in another top quality performance, pushing forward from defence. Josh L excelled not only in good tackling, but also with series of good passes to start attacking play. Daniel also made a great contribution creating a number of shooting opportunities both for himself and Oliver. In goal, Josh Y continued the good work started by Tom in the first half. Late on, Finlay replaced Carter up front and found himself unlucky not to get on the score sheet, as he took up some great positions in the Hurricane’s penalty area.

Despite no goals being added in the second half, the Jaguars always looked secure. The physically larger Volta team seemed to run out of ideas and Jaguars enjoyed the bulk of the play. This performance delivered the promise of those in the previous two weeks and blew the Hurricanes away!!!!!!!!!!!!

In what was a truly outstanding team performance, the coaches again faced another difficult choice in selection of Man of the Match. They chose Oliver after an outstanding all round display in which he did everything apart from score.

K & JL 07/10/09