Lichfield City Football Academy-midland floodlit
The Lichfield City Academy restored confidence in their squad ability this week with a spirited second half at National College league favourite Codsall High School with a 6-3 loss. The second half Jordan Lewis scored 2 goals and was outstanding the team produced wave after wave of attack and could of easily won. But a 5-1 score line at half time can take some comeback. Simple errors cost the team in the first half and that unprofessional youth age of not preparing correctly for the away trip was the reason for their poor first half performance.
Oliver had a fine debut at left back and offers good competition on the left side. Blake Ethan and Cotterill all perfomed well. Next week the lads travel to Lilleshall sports centre to play on the elite pitches in the next league game against the best players from Shropshire academy.
The Lichfield City Academy have been drawn away against Sandwell College in the national premier cup who are in the premier league, one above the Lichfield lads so it will be another tough test and experience.
After Wednesday game, the next night the Lichfield City Academy Team travelled to local rivals Coton Green FC and with no rest from the day before the squad was needed. Callum,Wes Joe, Owen,Robbie,Jack and Dishon all involved to support their team mates. It was fantastic to witness other members of the squad watch the team and support the win. Jeevan and Belcher also starting to develop into good players. The new recruits are settled into a routine and their football development is getting better week by week.
The team were focused to get their league form underway as they are behind on games in the league format. Lichfield started on the frontfoot and the new defence and goalkeeper looked positive and solid with the midfield working hard for each other. Lewis Dishon and Blake all going close with efforts before a good passing move opened up the Coton Green defence and Dishon was fouled in the box. Certi picked himself up and put the penalty away. A few minutes later Jordy at the back post had a fine volley that hit the top of the net and Lichfield led 2-0 at the break.
Half time the lads were determined to get the next goal and this was secured with super Sub Wes bursting past his marker and scoring smartly in the box. Coton Green were going to have their moments but Lichfield got complacement and Coton quickly scored two goals to rally their team and supporters. Lichfield City Academy did not drop their heads and responded with their speed upfront Wes looking dangerous with his speed on the right scoring from a tight angle in the box. Then Lewis finally getting on the score sheet after working hard upfront with a dribble past 3 players before scoring from the right.
Super sub Wes was on great form and hit his third goal of the night with a great strike to take the Lichfield lads 6-2 up and then it was the last ten minutes of the game to utilise the passing movements they had worked on and build confidence for their next game they have on Saturday in the reserves league. Ben and Joe speck were outstanding in midfield and it was pleasing to see Owen come on as sub and perform really well.
Another 3 matches to plan for this week for the lads plus two visits to St Georges park to develop their training with the FA coaches, before a county cup game against Hednesford Town FC.
Playing under floodlights really motivates the players.
We love this game.
