Match Report- 30/08/2011 v Halifax Irish (Home) Friendly

Once again, the Lions had to test their abilities against another top side. Halifax Irish had been crowned Division 2 Champions last season, not only that, they had narrowly lost in the League Cup final 5-3 against Linthwaite, having knocked out no less than four 1st Division teams to progress, including an amazing 4-1 victory over Almondbury Lions, who were crowned the top team in the Huddersfield League last season.

The new Wibsey Lions faced a huge challenge against a team who were one of the favourites to win the first division this season.


The smallest player on the pitch, the Irish Number 7 created the first goal very early on, getting in behing Jake Gilderdale, and placing the ball into the middle, where there unmarked striker slotted it home. Not the best start for the Lions with only three minutes gone.

The Halifax Irish were a very good team of ball-winners, and they were fiercely competitive in the middle. However Wibsey had five central midfielders, as Dave had opted to try and control the ball in the middle. Wibsey did remain reasonably competitive, however there was a distinct lack of width and Wibsey struggled to use the ball effectively whilst they had possession, as it was pretty compact.

Irish were a very good team and caused Wibsey a lot of problems down the flanks. The Irish number 7 gave Jake Gilderdale a very difficult time, and Damien Hields and Davis Peel were being pulled over the cover, leaving the middle undefended.

However, for large parts of the first half, Wibsey Lions were handling their tough opponents reasonably well. Matty Hale in goals looked much brighter and more confident, and was very quick off his line, coming out and having 3 or 4 successful one on ones.

Wibsey did create a few chances, but Connor Rhodes was having a difficult time, as Halifax Irish had some strong fast centre backs who weren't prepared to give him a second on the ball, which left the stirker frustrated.

Halifax Irish extended their lead after 9 minutes, Matty Hale pulled off a good save, however the Lion's defence were too slow to react and the Irish midfielder pounced on the ball and coolly finished.

However, Wibsey then got on top of the game for the next 10 minutes. Mudiwa Tegama, had shown some of his class that we had seen last season, and linked up well with Michael and Callum, however still the Lions struggled to play football in the compact middle of the team. There needed to be much more pass and move, and movement and communication in the middle. Maybe a sign that the new team needs more time to gel.

Ryan Archer looked bright, linking well with Connor Rhodes, he had a couple of shots, well played in by Connor Rhodes, but neither were going to challenge the keeper.

However his persistence payed off, 14 minutes into the game, the Lions got a goal back, Mudiwa flicked the ball to Archer who took a great first touch and placed it perfectly past the Keeper to give him his first ever goal for Wibsey Lions.

Wibsey did come close to getting an equaliser, Connor Rhodes had a chance and so did Callum Docherty but again, neither were enough to find their way past the keeper.

Halfax Irish took a 3-1 lead after 20 minutes, this time it was the Number 7 again, who found his way behind Jake Gilderdale, and cut inside and finished well.

Irish could have extended their lead further, in the remaining 15 minutes of the half, but the Wibsey defence held strong, and Matty Hale pulled off a few good saves to keep the score to 3-1.

Half Time- Wibsey Lions 1-3 Halifax Irish

The second half turned out to be a disaster for Wibsey. The team was switched to 4-4-2, to allow Wibsey to use their wings, but it meant that Wibsey had no play in the middle. Michael and Connor had very little of the ball in the second half, but the midfield of Nathan and Mudiwa just wasn't working, Wibsey barely won a ball. There seemed to be a lack of heart in the team, with Wibsey attacking players not tracking back to support the team in defence, and Halifax Irish capitalised, scoring six goals in the half to dominate the game.

However, Wibsey did attempt to play football, and to be fair, they did play some good football on the ball, Ryan Archer and Callum Docherty linked up very well especially down the left flank, which Callum worked tirelessly to create attacks, but they couldn't get through. Connor Rhodes had become frustrated and it didn't look like Wibsey were going to get another goal.

Full Time- Halifax Irish 9-1 Wibsey Lions


Goals

Ryan Archer (14)


Man of the Match

Callum Docherty- I every player had put in the same effort as this lad, it would have been a different game. Callum gave his all and played some brilliant linking play with Ryan and Connor, and he kept going despite the disappointing scoreline.


Manager Comments

Halifax Irish are a quality team. We did get beaten by a very good side, however we did give up lads!! At half time there was nothing stopping us getting back into the game. I do think we have some work to do in training, we need to work on the back 4 and how they play together, because we are all doing different things, and when we are off the ball we need to work much harder to get possession back. However we have played a lot of matches, but this is where we get used to playing together as a team, you're all fit lads, and playing regular matches shouldn't be a problem for us.

We need to keep our heads up though lads! We have played stronger teams than we will be doing this season, because I wanted to test us! So don't get downhearted.. We still have a very good side, we just need some more work for getting used to playing together as a team!!