FREDS WIN SILVERWARE IN PRE-SEASON TOURNAMENT

The Bunnyfield sponsored Freds kicked off the new campaign with an impressive pipe-opener at Alfredian Park on Sunday afternoon.

It was a day for embracing problems, think-tanking solutions and mental toughness, that returned a fitting reward.

Having exercised a 4-5-1 that morphed into an attacking 4-2-1-3 in possession for the opening two games, the Freds found that containing their opponents was well within their capabilities. The difficulty, against both Bure Park and Lambourn, was transition. In theory it looked workable, but in reality Wantage were struggling to effectively defend in balance and swiftly turn it into an attack against a team on the hop.

To be fair, one training session working the patterns is light preparation but, on the positive side, playing out from the back and through the first two thirds looked easy on the eye. All the players looked relaxed and competent on the ball, even in defensive positions.

"Working with the Freds U15's is a privilege. To have players that recognise a measure of trouble-shooting is required to force a result in a fifteen minute game is a dream!"

Think-tank called, the collective speculated that a more courageous 3-4-3 might just unlock some new possibilities.

Defensively, Will Beynon, Harry Buckland, Matthew MacDonald, Roan Stillion and Harry Howard, in rotation, never looked troubled as a four or three, sitting in front of Lewis Jordan. All were excellent! The tight marking, intelligent cover and communication were flawless.

In the games to follow, the Freds created all sorts of opportunities, but had to wait until the semi-finals before Jonny Hall converted, and it was probably the most difficult of three gilt-edged chances. The hitman engaged in the left channel and angled a shot across the face of the goal and in off the post. It was no more than the Freds deserved.

The midfield handled gentle rotation, with Jake Stewart making his competitive debut in the centre. Matthew Goodman, George Santacana-Melvin, Matthew Lambe, and the ever so fierce Jacob Haines, policed the core.

Jake Stewart was hampered by a strained hamstring on the day but is, without doubt, going to be an asset for the green and white hoops.

Christian Marsh and Joe George worked the flanks in midfield and more advanced positions, and it was this subtle thinning of the back lines that helped to create so many opportunities after the formation switch.

Tipping the balance through the core: Roan Stillion offered big game know-how, foot speed and high-end execution; Jacob 'Iron Man' Haines added much needed mettle, tirelessly muscling his way into contention to win things he really had no right to; and the Alfredian Assassin adjusted his sights towards the death.

Forced into a penalty shoot-out, the mightily impressive Roan Stillion ( also playing his first competitive 11-a-side football for the Freds ) stepped up to lace the first spot kick high to the keeper's right. It was a brutal finish that signalled intent, and Jonny Hall rifled home similarly. Not an ounce of traceable fear!

Lewis Jordan adjusted to get a strong hand on Oxford Blackbirds's second penalty, and these highlights were enough to secure success.

Great start to a promising season, Freds!