Whirlwind

Havant Minifest, 15th April 2018
On an overcast April morning Gosport under 8’s and for the first time, 2 Under 10 teams went into battle at the Havant minifest. After an extended absence due to heavy rain, snows and every other conceivable weather type, the Gosport’s kids were keen to show their metal.

Under 8’s minifest report:
For the first time Gosport under 8’s started on the back foot with only 5 player against Havant B’s 7 strong plus 3 subs. Gosport played fanatastically but had their first defeat this season due to starting 2 players down.
After some positive praise to the players by the umpire on how well they played and deserved to win, the now 6 strong under 8’s had the bit between their teeth.
For the next 5 games we managed to coax a spare player from numerous teams to take us up to full strength, and not to be down-heartened, the Under 8’s came back fighting, with their standard tenacity a straight 4 wins on the bounce caught all opposition off guard
A new defensive line up of Alex and Jack was strong throughout saving numerous attempts my the opposition with both defender playing a pivotal role in all of the games.
The midfield made up of William, Hayden and Molly created chance and frustrated the opposition, Molly made some key tackles to support the team. Hayden was a whirlwind in centre midfield plaguing the defence midfield with runs all over the pitch and scoring 2 fab goals. William returned to his position as Right midfield and as always owned that side of the pitch, driving the opposition and scoring twice against Fareham, narrowly avoiding his hat-rick. Lone attacker was Jacob and with some superb supply from Hayden and Bilbo, added another 5 goals to his season tally.
Last game was against a determined Haslemere A who put up a great fight but Gosport’s stayed strong and the final under 8 game finished goalless.

All round another superb performance from an under strength team which really showed how much they have developed. Bring on Chichester minifest next week.
As always, I am a very proud coach and all of the players deserve the recognition of a superb performance. Well done you all
U8’s Star performer: Alex Blower (for thwarting the opposition more times than I care to mention)
:-Stats as below: (Won 4, Lost 1, Drew 1)
Game 1: Havant B 2-0 Gosport
Game 2: City of Portsmouth A 1-2 Gosport
Game 3: Fareham 0-3 Gosport
Game 4: Haselmere B 0-2 Gosport
Game 5: City of Portsmouth B 1-2 Gosport
Game 6: Haselmere A 0-0 Gosport
Goal scorers:
William - 2
Hayden - 2
Jacob - 5
Match report written by Mark Short