Bays u21 started their season well as they put in a rampant second half performance against 9 man mid island highlanders in a convincing 3-0 win. It was an eerily similar situation to last season, when Bays visited the reigning champions with only 9 men, except this time the tables were turned. The Bays squad has picked up lots of new recruits in an attempt to have more depth this year, and it appears to be paying off. Bays started off well, with high intensity on a brutally hot September afternoon. The home side controlled possession, but were lacking in the final third. Despite having 9 men, the visitors were defensively solid as they struggled to cope with the pressure and the heat. They were compact, and hard to break down. Bays opted to use the wings, having pace in abundance out there in Liam Farrar and Calvin Litton. Eventually the pressure paid off, as Liam Farrar, who seemed to be at the heart of all first half attacks, was sprung free on goal. He opted for the far post, hoping to beat the charging keeper. The keeper saved brilliantly, but couldnt keep out Miguel Bustamantes rebound, the centre mid keeping his composure with a calm finish. After their goal mid way through the first half, Bays became lackadaisical, often giving the ball away or forcing it up the pitch. Despite being 1-0 at half, the side needed improvement. They were instructed to press intensely, in an attempt to suffocate the visiting team. It worked. Just minutes into the second half Bays won the ball in the oppositions half and forced a corner. Miguel Bustamente whipped in a sumptuous left-footed in-swinger, which Kyle Kannan headed home powerfully. Despite being one of the shortest players on the pitch, Kyle leapt highest and made no mistake. The home side continued to probe, creating chances almost at will, with Alex Hatherill and Alex Curtis blazing over. There was almost a third goal by debutant Nicky Hurley, who struck brilliantly outside the box, only to be robbed by the highlanders keeper. Moments after, he picked up the ball just outside the box, and left it for Alex Hatherill to strike. Despite it being on his left foot, the ball somehow managed to loop over the keeper into the far corner to make it 3-0. The home side weret satisfied with 3, and wanted more. Alex Hatherill attempted to return the favour as he sprung Nicky Hurley through on goal, only for his effort to come agonizingly close again. There were sighs of relief from both teams at the final whistle, Bays were pleased with their 3-0 win, while the Highlanders were happy the match was over. Bays were dominant, in the end outshooting their opponents about 20-0, with the Bays defence being rock solid. The away side put in a valiant performance, as the match was hard to play with 11 players and subs, let alone 9. The new season is looking good for Bays u21, the side has recruited some great new players and there seems to be a new-found confidence within the team.
Posted on: Sun, 21 Sep 2014 23:09:04 +0000
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