SRJFC Jaguars vs. Finedon Volta Hurricanes
24/10/09

Match day 6 saw the supporter’s meteorological odyssey take in light rain, whilst the Jaguars faced a re-match against the Volta Hurricanes.

The side was led by Oliver Watson, and lined up like this for the first half:

Goal-Keeper: Josh Y
Defence: Tom/Josh L
Midfield: Nathan/Dan
Forward: Ollie

Oliver and Dan kicked off and immediately gained the upper hand in terms of possession and territorial advantage. Nathan, Dan and Oliver were combining well whilst attacking. After 3 minutes the deadlock was broken, Nathan's throw-in on the left found Oliver in a space down the line. Ollie Deftly beat the last defender before crisply knocking the ball past the Volta goalie.

The goal triggered more pressure from the Hurricanes. Good defending from Josh L and Tom kept the Jaguars ahead but a goal was coming. Ironically it came from a Jaguars free kick close to the Hurricane's area. The free kick was saved by the goalie who rapidly released the ball forward and quickly the Hurricanes found their No 10 in front of goal and he coolly finished.

The balance of the game swapped again with the Jaguars forcing a series of throw-ins and corners. The pressure eventually told, Nathan's throw-in caused havoc in the Hurricane's defence with Dan and Tom having shots blocked. The ball fell to Dan who forced it passed the goalie. More throw-ins followed producing chances for Nathan and Dan. However, in the closing seconds of the first half another speculative long range shot brought the Hurricanes level whilst the Jaguars defence was all at sea.

A pulsating first half which should have seen the Jaguars leading, but for some uncharacteristic defensive lapses. How would they react in the second half?

The coaches reacted with the mother of all tactical shake ups. Josh L and Tom made way for Carter and Finlay whilst Dan dropped back into goal and Josh Y went into defence.

The Hurricanes kick off of the second half with the Jaguar's lining up:

Goal Keeper: Dan
Def: Josh Y / Finlay
Mid: Nathan / Oliver
Att: Carter

Immediately the Jaguars took a grip of the game, Dan started a magnificent move, rolling the ball to Ollie who played a long ball down the left to Nathan, who crossed to Carter who had found a great position in the box, before a block diverted the shot wide. Further chances were created and the pressure on the Volta goal was building. The next breakthrough came from a corner. Nathan found Carter in the box and he coolly finished.

The attacking flair continued to provide chances for the Jaguars whilst good concentration at the back from Josh Y and Finlay ensured they retained the lead. Further reward came after Nathan and Carter combined to brilliantly beat 3 defenders and Carter notched his 2nd goal.

The Hurricanes were not finished as a throw-in showed when it found its way to an unmarked attacker who scored.

Carter finally made the game safe when Nathan played him in and a delightful chip completed his third hat-trick in three weeks.

The Hurricanes continued their spirited displayed with a shot hitting the cross bar before the end. Volta produced an improved performance and made it an exciting encounter, but the Jaguars continue to improve and were relatively comfortable in a rather Newcastle style i.e. "we'll score one more than you".

Carter and his shooting boots earned himself the man of the match award for another excellent display. Although everyone showed some great touches.

Great match, Impressive performance.

K & JL 26/10/09