Spondon Rovers Planets. Under 12s

Planets 2-3 Shelton Rams

Captain: Ethan
Potm: Harrison
Spotm: Elliot
Goalscorers: Elliot ⚽⚽

Planets last game of the season saw us in contention for back to back promotions should we win & other results go our way. Today we faced Shelton, a team very resilient at the back so we'd would have to be our best.

Planets started the game brightly looking to take the upper hand with some good attacking between Ethan, Will, Frankie, Kallum & Archie. Shelton still looked dangerous on transitions looking to counter us with their pace in behind, so the game was a little cagey. It wasn't until the 20th minute when Elliot won the ball for their GK, took on a couple of players & slotted it past the keeper. Planets had a few more chances but the keeper made some great saves to keep them in it.
On 26mins Shelton countered again after we were a little slow getting back & a cross fell to their player who slotted it into the corner. A goal we should have stopped further up the pitch.

Half time came & we spoke with the lads about how we needed to relax more & work more together on the ball & also to be aware they're looking for the through ball every time.

The lads went out in the 2nd half raring to go. Similar to the 1st half, it was very cagey, we were rushing passes, over hitting through ball, it just wasn't coming off, with Shelton still looking dangerous from counters.
A few subs made & Kallum brought on at RW. His first impact was tearing down the RW to put a cross in for Elliot to finish. However, Shelton were not down & out. Only 2 mins later they won a free kick after a bit of a mess & fired into the bottom corner. Then, only 2 mins later, a long range shot somehow looped into the top of Harrisons goal, great goal, can't do anything about them.
The final whistle went & the lads were devastated, it just wasn't to be today. However, they put themselves in that position after one promotion already this season is a testament to them. Welldone boys! 👏🏼 📈
Potm: Harrison
Harrison made a string of good saves today & kept Shelton at bay when they breached our defence. He will only remember what happened before their 2nd goal but he's been an absolute monumental part of our success this season, keep your head up H! Welldone 👏🏼🏆
Spotm: Elliot
Elliot back with us today & showing what he's all about. Relentless & great quality on the ball causing mayhem & getting himself two good goals for his efforts. Welldone Elliot! 👏🏼🏆

⚽⚽⚫🔴⚫🔴⚽⚽

https://watermark-uk.com/fabrication/mechanical-pipework/

Training tonight was a replica of our last training session so we could get more practice on the key fundamentals of 1v1 defending & defending underloaded.

The lads took on board what we discussed & worked on & we could see their development throughout. There was a drop in standards & a bit of messing about at times, which we spoke about with them to which they reacted & refocused. Welldone boys! 👏🏼🏆
Onto our last game of the season on Sunday now! 💪🏼
Totw: Ethan
Ethan stood out tonight with not only his quality on the ball but also with his 1v1 defending techniques without it, putting into the practice the things we'd discussed. Welldone Ethan 👏🏼🏆

⚽⚽🔴⚫🔴⚫⚽⚽

https://watermark-uk.com/fabrication/mechanical-pipework/

Planets 4-2 Mickleover Madrid

Captain: Ethan
Potm: Harrison
Spotm: Barney
Goalscorers: Barney ⚽, Will ⚽⚽, Frankie ⚽

Tonights game saw 4th play 3rd in a competitive match up with potential back to back promotions on for both sides.

Planets started on the front foot pushing Madrid back. On the 3rd minute we had a throw in on the right hand side which Ethan ducked underneath & it fell to Barney at the back post to slot it into the net.
Planets continued to push with Madrid looking to counter with their quick attacking players but Planets stood strong. On the 12th minute, Will found himself on the edge of the area to fire it past the keeper to give us some breathing space.
Madrid started to grow into the game & were creating some good chances including hitting the bar but last ditch defending from Planets thwarted any rebound efforts.
On 22mins Madrid got themselves back into the game when their RW Usain Bolt esque paced past Planets defence & slotted past Harrison in net.

The half time whistle came & we spoke with the lads about how we started well & in the front foot but allowed Madrid back into the game so made a few tweaks & sent them back out.

Both teams started brightly & looking to attack with intent but both defences stood strong & it was a great competitive game to watch. Planets were looking to play some nice football with some good one twos between the attacking players & again Madrid looking to counter at pace.
On 51mins Planrts gained a free kick at an angle around 25 yards from goal, step up Frankie, he rifled the shot towards the goal at pace & gave the keeper no chance! Only 1minute later from a corner, Frankie swung it to the back post where Will was waiting to side volley it into the net, great goal.
Madrids heads didnt drop & gained a dubious penalty which they dispatched into the bottom corner, H went the right way but just couldnt reach. The final few minutes saw Madrid push forwards but again, the lads dug in & got the win. Welldone boys! 👏🏼
Potm: Harrison
Harrison had a great game today, was under pressure for some time but made some crucial saves throughout to keep the GA low. Welldone H! 👏🏼🏆
Spotm: Barney
Arguably Barneys best game for Planets today getting himself a good goal & causing mayhem on the left hand side. Welldone Barney 👏🏼🏆

⚽⚽🔴⚫🔴⚫⚽⚽

https://watermark-uk.com/fabrication/mechanical-pipework/

Planets 1–1 Little Eaton Phantoms
Captain: Ethan
POTM: Ethan
SPOTM: Jack
Goalscorer: Ethan ⚽
Today’s game saw us face a team we’d never played before, so it was a new experience for the lads with no real knowledge of their strengths or weaknesses.
We started brightly, looking to push Phantoms back and created some good chances early on. However, too many balls were overhit and ended up in the keeper’s hands. To their credit, Phantoms stayed lively, looked to push us back, and created chances of their own.
Despite our strong start and positive attacking play, some of our players looked a little off the pace—too hesitant and too negative at times. That gave Phantoms momentum, and they began to grow into the game. On 25 minutes, we failed to deal with a bouncing ball, which ran through to their winger, who finished 1v1 with Harrison to make it 1–0.
It only took four minutes for Planets to respond. Ethan struck from the edge of the area, and after a fortunate bobble, the ball found its way into the Phantoms net to level the score.
At half-time, we spoke—just like on Thursday—about where we needed to improve. Most importantly, we discussed having the desire and willingness to work hard every minute we are on the pitch.
The second half still wasn’t at the high standards we expect of ourselves, but there was improvement. Ethan never stopped working up front, chasing everything down and battling against two or three players at a time. Too often, though, he was left without support when we had possession.
There was a moment of brilliance late in the game when Ethan fought past four defenders, rounded the keeper, and looked certain to score, only for a Phantoms defender to clear brilliantly off the line at the last moment.
We continued to push for a winner but just couldn’t find the second goal. Phantoms also had a late surge, but nothing came of it.
Again, not our best performance, but with two games left this season, we now need to step up—both individually and collectively.
Well done, boys 👏🏼📈
POTM: Ethan
Despite landing at 3am this morning, Ethan still turned up ready to play—what commitment! He worked tirelessly up front with little support for most of the game and deserved his goal for all his efforts. Well done, Ethan 👏🏼🏆
SPOTM: Jack
Jack was faultless all game. He was there whenever needed, sweeping up, making key challenges, and organising the defence. Mr Reliable. Fully deserved. Well done, Jack 👏🏼🏆
⚽⚽🔴⚫🔴⚫⚽⚽
https://watermark-uk.com/fabrication/mechanical-pipework/

Planets 1-0 Allestree Dortmund

Captain: Harrison
Potm: Frankie
Spotm: Kallum
Goalscorer: Kallum ⚽

A midweek fixture that saw us against a stubborn Dortmund team & with some key players out, it gave some of the other lads an opportunity to step up to the challenge.

The first half we simply weren't good enough on the ball, panicking in possession, some not looking particularly interest & often looking for the quickest pass forwards, which wasn't always the best option. This coupled with the wind against us, meant we lost the ball often & were having to deal with waves of attacks from Dortmund. However, the defence & H in goal stood strong.

Half time team talk consisted of us speaking to the lads about how that wasn't our standards & our expectations & we must go out in the second half, look like they wanted to be there & up for the battle & work as a team in & out of possession.

Second half we were much more like ourselves, looking to support & string passes together, not panicking in possession & being resilient at the back.
On 37 mins Kallum pounced in a poor goal kick & calmly slotted it into the roof of the GKs net. A goal he'd deserved for his efforts so far.
The remainder of the second half saw Planets continued to push forwards with Dortmund standing strong & looking to counter, but again, the defence & H stood strong. The final whistle came to the lads relief. Not the best performance & plenty to learn from but they came away with a positive result. Welldone lads 👏🏼📈
Potm: Frankie
Frankie was relentless in CM today against some big lads but never backed out, got caught a few times but got back up & went again. Linked up well with the attacks & helped support the defence when needed. Welldone Frankie 👏🏼
Spotm: Kallum
Kallum never stopped running today, made lots of unselfish runs for the team & battled hard winning us possession. He played as striker today but he also dropped back to help defend when needed & helped on attacks earning himself a well deserved goal. Welldone Kallum 👏🏼 🏆

⚽⚽⚫🔴⚫🔴⚽⚽

https://watermark-uk.com/fabrication/mechanical-pipework/

Another Ximus Strength & Conditioning session in the bag for the lads.

More weightlifting, more shuttles, more relays, more planks & more togetherness.

Again, it was great to see the boys working hard, supporting each other & enjoying themselves, all whilst improving 💪🏼📈

⚽⚽🔴⚫🔴⚫⚽⚽

https://watermark-uk.com/fabrication/mechanical-pipework/

Training was back to the way we like it tonight, back on the grass & 90mins 👌🏼

Our focus today was a progression on last weeks 1v1s & 4v3s, where we spoke about defending techniques in both scenarios & allowed them plenty of time to practice with the extra time we had.

When we moved to the 4v3s, we purposefully forced the exercise to be high tempo high intensity. This was to make the game more game like, force them into quicker decisions, movements & communication. The defending 3 weren't rotated so were under constant pressure from an overload & we asked them to work out how to deal with the problem. They were excellent against some top players 👏🏼

The game at the end we played as an attack v defence to continue the good work they'd done & progression they'd made on the key points. There was some great football, great defending & great teamwork. There was a little negativity & moaning at some points which we discussed, reiterated our expectations & dealt with, it's all part of their development. Welldone boys 👏🏼📈
Totw: Jack
Jack was nothing short of superb tonight acting as a CB in a 3 being underloaded almost the whole session. He didn't let this faze him one bit, he stood up to the challenge, led his line, battled against his attacker & a lot of time came out in too. Brilliant Jack, welldone 👏🏼🏆

⚽⚽⚫🔴⚫🔴⚽⚽

https://watermark-uk.com/fabrication/mechanical-pipework/

Another Ximus Strength & Conditioning session in the bag for the lads.

More weightlifting, more shuttles, more relays, more planks & more togetherness.

Again, it was great to see the boys working hard, supporting each other & enjoying themselves, all whilst improving 💪🏼📈

⚽⚽🔴⚫🔴⚫⚽⚽
https://watermark-uk.com/fabrication/mechanical-pipework/

Planets 4-1 GAD Khalsa

Captain: Ethan
Potm: Frankie
Spotm: Elliot
Goalscorers: Elliot ⚽⚽⚽, Ethan ⚽

Planets faced physical opposition in GAD Khalsa today in tough cold, windy & wet conditions.

The game started cagey with Khalsa having the majority of the ball looking to gain the advantage but Planets stood strong & worked hard as a team.

It took until the 9th minute for the deadlock to be broken with Planets taking it. Ethan was played a through ball from Archie down the right hand side & as he advanced into the area, he fired a powerful shot to the keepers near post giving him no chance.
The rest of the half played out the same as it started with the ball pinging from end to end in the wind & both defences standing strong.

Our half time team talk we asked the lads how they thought we got on. They knew we could be better, they knew we could play better football, so we sent them out for the second half asking for exactly that.

Planets started on top, looking to play more football & create more chances. On the 36th minute, Planets won a free kick which Frankie swung in to the keeper who unfortunately fumbled it but Elliot was following up to slot it into an empty net. A bit of breathing room....
Khalsa still looked a threat on transitions but Jacob in CDM & the defence still stood strong.
Goal on 47mins was a big goal kick from Harrison that was brought down brilliantly by Ethan who played a through ball to Elliot it into the keepers bottom corner.
Only a minute later, Khalsa found themselves in Planets box to pull one back, a goal that came after we didn't deal with the ball, one to learn from.
Planets continued to push forwards & on 50th minute, Elliot completed his hatrick with a side foot volley from a Frankie corner.
Both teams again continued to have chances but the game ended 4-1.
Not the best performance today but the lads dug in in tough conditions & came away with a positive result. 💪🏼👏🏼📈
Potm: Frankie
Two assists to his name today as well as a strong hardworking performance in CAM saw Frankie have a great game. Never stopped running, great vision & quality & communicating well with his teammates 👏🏼🏆
SPotm: Elliot
Elliot returning the the team today & getting himself a hattrick with a great performance showing what he's about. Great quality on the ball & hard working off it, allround great performance 👏🏼🏆

https://watermark-uk.com/fabrication/mechanical-pipework/
⚽⚽⚫🔴⚫🔴⚽⚽

Another top session from the lads tonight where our focus was similar to last week with 4v3s & 1v1s. This week however, we built on what was learnt last week & introduced different zones on the pitch, in both the 4v3s & 1v1s.
This was the help them understand their out of possession actions depending on where the ball was on the pitch.
They all listened intently, all gave 100% & you could see their progression throughout the session. As a result, the game at the end was nothing short of utter brilliance.
As the manager of the team & i can speak for the coaches, we had pure pride watching them all play so well in & out of possession, doing the right things, making the right decisions, working hard as a team, showing good quality on the ball, making tough last ditch challenges, absolutely brilliant. Welldone boys! 💪🏼👏🏼🏆📈
Totw: Frankie
Frankie epitimised all the above. What a great session from him from start to finish. What made him stand out tonight was his communication & support with his teammates, whether showing for the ball or needing help defending. Welldone Frankie 👏🏼🏆

⚽⚽🔴⚫🔴⚫⚽⚽
https://watermark-uk.com/fabrication/mechanical-pipework/

Planets 3-2 Chellaston giants

Captain: Ethan
Motm: Frank
Spotm: Harrison
Goalscorers: Frankie ⚽, Will ⚽, Ethan ⚽

Planets faced a strong div 3 side in Chellaston Giants today & a team flying at at the top of the table.

After a late comeback against the opposition to claim a draw last weekend, the lads were looking to make amends this week.

The game started with Planets on top & getting the first few chances including a 1v1 with Giants keeper was equal to. Giants then got their first attack of the game which saw their winger progress into the area & score at Harrisons near post, a shot he'd usual deal with & he knew it, how would he deal mentally with it?
Planets then continued to be on top & on the 12th minute, Ethan controlled the ball in the middle & played a great through ball to the advancing Frankie who from the edge of the area slotted the ball past Giants keeper. The first half progressed with both teams equal, creating chances but defenders or goalkeepers standing strong.

At half time, we discussed with the lads about a few things we needed to improve & ofcorse some positives & we sent them back out.

Within a few minutes, Ethan placed a well timed through ball to Will who was 1v1 with the keeper & cooly slotted it high into the net. Giants then grew into the game & were getting chances themselves which the defenders dealt with well or Harrison was equal to. That was until 38mins when Giants got their second after a lapse of concentration & lack of pressing in our area from our players, one to learn from.
Our heads could have dropped but they didn't, within a couple of minutes, Ethan after proving two assists already, found himself on the edge of the area at an angle & lobbed the keeper at the back post.
Giants heads didn't drop either & continued to attack at our goal, Harrison made some great saves & the defenders stayed strong until the final whistle. Welldone boys! 👏🏼📈
Motm: Frank
Frank had a great game today at RB. His pace, tenacity, timing of his tackles, decision making & quality really stood out today. Awesome performance Frank! 👏🏼🏆
Spotm: Harrison
Despite knowing he could have done better with the first one, his head could have dropped but he kept his head up & stayed focused. This allowed him to put in a great display making some crucial saves, with some positive feedback from the opposite coaches too! Welldone H! 👏🏼🏆

⚽⚽⚫🔴⚫🔴⚽⚽

https://watermark-uk.com/fabrication/mechanical-pipework/