Nidderdale League Matches
In the U11 league fixture, Ripley arrived undefeated in the league
this year, having only dropped one point and been despatching teams by
a cricket score of goals. It was always going to be tough!
The Scorchers seemed up for it, but unfortunately 2 early goals to
Ripley could not be recovered despite a fantastic second half
performance by all players. The final score finished 1 - 4 to Ripley.
In the second game, again strong performances did not transfer into
goals, but a good all-round team performance was entertaining for the
spectators
Our U9's first game was a very even contest against Ripley. Scotton
played some of their best football this season but the game ended in a
1-1 draw. Ripley took an early lead with a well taken breakaway goal
after Scotton had been pressing hard. Scotton immediately struck back
with Jamie Foster netting from close range with his 3rd goal of the
season. Man of the Match, Alfie Welles and Lorchan Gallagher were very
strong in defence, breaking down a number of promising Rockets
attacks. A fair result in the end and well done everyone. The
following match saw Scotton get on top and record a convincing win.
The 7's as ever were split into two evenly matched squads; Blacks and
Reds. The first game saw the Blacks made up of of Ethan in Goal, Sam
and Luke in defence, Tom and Ewan held midfield with Jack, Owen and
Dan leading the front line.
The boys got out of the blocks first with some good passes and team
work. This resulted in a well worked goal started and finished by
Ewan. Ripley tried to respond but the boys continued to close down the
opposition and 'pass' their way into attacking positions. Tom then
began his onslaught on goal scoring 5 before half time!
The team work continued in the 2nd half as did the good tackles from
Sam and Ewan. Tom seemed unstoppable as he bagged another two. Jack
then added to the score sheet with a great little goal, taking his
season tally to 7! The game ended 9-1 with the boys and supporters
satisfied with a good spirited game.
The second match was more of a challenge for the boys. The weather
didn't help matters with a howling wind into their faces in the 1st
half. Ripley started strong scoring early on. The boys seemed to
forget the winning formula they had found in the first game (passing
and supporting each other) but to their credit continued battling
until the half time whistle.
With a 5 nil deficit to claw back the boys had a challenge on their
hands and they began to play the sort of football they were playing in
the 1st game. Unfortunately it wasn't enough and Ripley scored early
on and put the boys on the back foot. Our persistence paid off in the
end with a late goal from Tom, a free kick that Ronaldo would have
been proud of drew the match to a close with the final score being 1-6.
The Reds (made up of Lewis D and Lewis F, Joseph, Cameron, Ben, Jon,
James and Jack A) first game was (as it now appears) against Ripley
tougher team. Going two behind early on, the Scorchers had to dig in
to against some heavy pressure from the Rockets long goal clearances.
However, straight after the break (and against a stiff breeze) Scotton
began to push on and play, building from the back with Lewis and Jack
A, and were unlucky not to hit the target. The boys were punished for
this with three quick goals from the Rockets, with final score being a
flattering 0-5 to Ripley.
The next game was a different matter. Despite starting slowly
Scotton's Blacks broke their duck with a couple of goals from Cameron.
As the weather turned Joseph hit the target but then the boys were
then pegged bag with 2 quick goals from Ripley. At 3-2 it could have
gone either way. However as the rain came down Scotton showed some
real team spirit to keep the ball to assist in further goals each from
Cameron and Joseph, and own goal from Ripley's keeper saw the boys
draw clear, ending up 6-2 victors.
Overall, there were some encouraging signs that the team were
beginning to play for each other and as a team. Everyone played really
well today, right throughout, and the positive comments from the touch
line were well deserved. Three 'Player of the Day' Awards were given
out. Firstly to Ewan who's effort, tackling and passing in both his
games was fantastic. A second rosette went to Cameron, who against
Ripley finally got some deserved goal-reward for his week-on-week
effort and no little skill. Final award went to Lewis Francis, who as
always typifies a Scotton Scorcher. Always gives 100%, always willing
to pitch in whatever position he plays (even in goal in the rain) and
always plays with a smile on his face and really enjoys his football -
which is all we want as Coaches. Well done everyone.
