Icarus Senior Squad v Liverpool FC XI

ICARUS FC V LIVERPOOL FC SELECT XI
 
 
Courtesy of the DoF’s ambition and successful influence through the RAFFA, a dream fixture against a Liverpool side quickly became a reality and a beautiful affinity between the 2 clubs  started to emerge.
 
Broadcast as reward for the season long efforts of many, the squad attracted some trialists and a 50:50 mix of 1st Team and A Team players but to everyone who turned up to play, support or just watch on such beautiful day it was all about the occasion, opportunities and recognition.
 
Captain Matt Williams’ sterling admin and influence ensured the match ball was timely delivered by 60 (R) Sqn Griffin Helicopter and his pre-match interviews were the finest piece of RAF recruitment and PR many have witnessed in years. Matt’s efforts added the appropriate glamour to the occasion and offered Academy Director Alex Inglethorpe a glimpse of the capabilities and possibilities that a relationship with ICARUS could bring to LFC.
 
The pitch was freshly mown, sun was shining and Robbie Fowler made his appearance in time for kick off.
 
With ICARUS needing to calm nerves, adjust to new players and adjust to simply Premier League Paying surface, it was no surprise that LFC dominated the opening exchanges with consecutive linked passes beyond believe; but what do you expect from coaches, professionals and legends.
 
ICARUS instinctively st deeper than we had done all season and tried to counter attack at lightening speed through Toogood and Alex Wright playing as the solo striker.  Evidently an unsustainable strategy due to unfamiliar pairing and climate, ICARUS were mentally tested with their defensive discipline but it was quality of first or second pass in the transition that repeatedly let us down. 
 
A stray pass from ICARUS allowed LFC  to break the deadlock after they clipped a ball over the top for the quicker of the 2 LFC striker to poke past the onrushing Jamie Rose. 1-0. That goal rallied ICARUS who appeared more composed and looked like they began to enjoy the occasion.  The pairing of Hickinbotham and Flemming in midfield whilst unfamiliar did allow the individuals to demonstrate their core attributes with Flemming breaking down play and Hickinbotham doing a great job on Fowler when he came looking.
 
Regrettably a LFC cross was not met by the ICARUS back line and Fowler was in the right spot to tap home from 7yds. 2-0.
 
Half time was positive with just one change to Right Back and the focus on minimal touches but more passes, long distance and diagonals against a team of this quality would be costly.
 
A different ICARUS team emerged in the second half and it was pleasing to see that at one stage the ball did not go out of play for 15minutes! There was confidence in the camp and extra space seemed to emerge, our tails were up. Unfortunately LFC capitalised on the ICARUS trialist at right back and got another tap in goal after getting around the back. 3-0.
 
Enter Conal Dixon, Jim Schofield as game changers. Schofields towering presence and quality touch ensured far more possession was retained in the LFC third and Dixon’s jinking runs and direct, attacking play was mesmerising. Dixon’s runs caused a now hesitant LFC defence to be on the back foot which saw Dixon rewarded with a penalty; Toogood gladly offered to Dixon, who sadly missed his side footed shot. Determined to make amends Dixon continued his dazzling performance and won a second penalty which Schofield happily despatched into the top right corner to an ovation and applause from onlookers.
 
As the full time whistle blew there was nothing to do but smile at the amazing opportunity, environment and experience all would have gained from such a day.  DoF’s ambition is to go one further and get a game at Anfield, and why not……….