Venue change again due to rain. Timperley had a strong start, dominating possession and were unlucky with 3 shots off the post before Kuba broke from midfield with 2 individual goals. Lukie followed suit with a solo run to beat the keeper, the boys having made the decision to take early opportunities as they could before settling into a more controlled, passing attack. Timperley had another shot ping off the post and Poynton's keeper made some good saves before Timperley furthered their lead with an assist from George to Mattie to score. George was finally rewarded for good team play winning a ground ball near the crease and skipping through the defence to score. Q1 - comfortable 5-0 lead.
Q2 allowed us to rotate some players, with more pressure then on our defence, but we were quick on the break - Khalid's shot saved. Another good save from Poynton as they were a man down, but then Kuba got one in just as their player returned from a minute penalty. Soon after, Khalid received the ball right in front of goal, spun to beat the defence, lost the ball and it rolled into the goal - the team celebrated like he meant it and we wouldn't have scored if he hadn't been in the right position so we'll take it! With continued pressure, the Poynton keeper came out and faced challenge from Sam and Khalid - his clearance was picked up by Mattie who was clear on an empty goal to score. Poynton's 14 was fast down the wing and gave a reality check, beating 5 of our players and was unlucky to hit the post rather than the net. Bruce broke in retaliation, with a low shot scoring, then Lukie scored his second just before the break. Q2 10-0
Poynton declined the option of a free clear, and we put Bruce on instead of Mattie. Winning the face, he passed to Kuba to get his first of the third quarter. Kuba was sent off for a 1 minute penalty but scored again straight after returning to the field. He then got his hat-trick in the quarter, trying to pass to George but his ball hit a Poynton player trying to block the pass and luck went our way with the ball deflected over the keeper into the net. Timperley extended their lead with goals from George and Mattie before another leftfield goal, an assist from Bruce to Finn who managed to get a shot off as he was mid-air, hit by two Poynton players. Q3 16-0
Less eventful as Timperley took their foot off the gas and I expect Poynton heads dropped a bit with a single goal from George ending the game 17-0. Individually, Poynton were better than the scoreline reflects but Timperley worked harder to win the ground balls and were unforgiving in possession. Poynton were given little time when they had possession and Timperley were great at getting themselves in the right place to defend attacks and support their team-mates so a better team performance that made the difference today. Poynton didn't have any subs and are still rotating keepers and I hope they continue to build. Kuba won the MoM, awarded by the coaches today, without the lunch, and many thanks to Jack (and Mum) for the cup-cakes at short notice! Also thanks from me to the parents that helped with moving goals, cones, creases, etc.
Goals:
Bruce 1
Finn 1
George 3
Khalid 1
Kuba 6
Lucas 2
Mattie 3