Off the back of two defeats to the U21 Barbados National team, it was time to face their U18 side. Unlike previous encounters we started with an all L6th XI in order to gel as a team in preparation for next year.
AGS were quick off the mark, hassling and harrying the opposition. In what was a gritty first 10 minutes, concentration and determination were key in the explosive start. Unfortunately we conceded against the run of play, but heads did not drop. Immediate pressure saw the Bajans on the back foot, with David Bentham surging into opposition territory on numerous occasions and Cameron Law's inspired efforts catching the eyes of many and the hearts of some.
Hard work paid dividends after admirable work from David Bentham and Nick Middleton set up Raj Sandhu to pounce from 7 yards. At 1-1 Adams' were dominant for extended periods until a couple of mistakes and some ruthless finishing left the home team leading 3-1 at half time.
After the break the opposition 'half-court press' stifled the flow of the game, arguably in the home team's favour. With a thirst for possession Adams' pressed from the front. A couple of quickfire injuries upset the dynamics of the Adams' team and the already high work-rate was pushed to a near-frantic level. A piece of brilliant individual skill saw AGS undeservedly go 4-1 down and again it seemed as if the Bajans would walk away with a flattering victory. Adams' reduced the deficit with a fine first-time strike from eventual Man of the Match Alex Gray.
Valiant efforts across the pitch allowed Adams' to more than hold their own against a strong U18 National side, but what I suppose is most pleasing is that there were clear spells of AGS dominance. Perhaps if we had faced such a team earlier in the week the outcome would have been different. No matter though, plenty of positives have left the squad optimistic for their last two games. On to the next one.
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