Winter arrived this Saturday for the Scorchers home games vs Hamsthwaite. On a very chilly day for all (boys, coaches and parents) it was fantastic to see a full turnout of our U7's with all 21 boys eager to play despite the cold.
With Hampsthwaite bringing 10, we played two pitches - a MATCH pitch and a MIXED mixed where we shared players around between the two clubs to play some friendly, fun football.
Starting on the MATCH pitch, Scottons team of 10 included Luke Mearns, Jon H, Lewis D, Alexander R, Lewis F, Cam B, Joseph N, Jack S, James Haveron and Ethan I.
Scotton started straight from the off with Cam racing through to score in the first couple of minutes, and quickly followed this with his second. Scotton were playing some great passing football, and this was typified by our third goal, with a great dribbling run down the right by Lewis D, who squared it into the box were Jack 'Micheal Owen' Sherwin slid in from 5 yards to guide the ball in. Hampsthwaite nearly grabbed one back with a break away but the ball was smothered away by a combination of Ethan in goal and Alexander. 3-0 at half time.
Scotton again came out for the second half flying, with Joseph grabbing his first of the day and Cam completing his hat-trick. A few subs saw Cam make way for Jonathan and Lewis Francis to shine, with Lewis nearly getting his name on the scoresheet with a battling burst through the middle. With Hampsthwaite tiring, Scotton scored two more, one from Jack Sherwin and our last goal of the day was a well deserved and well taken effort from Lewis Dobson. At the final whistle Scotton had ran out as impressive and deserving 7-0 victors.
The second game on the MATCH pitch saw the boys carry on where they left off. Some of the boys were played in different positions just to see how they got on, but it didn't stop the goals continue. Cameron notched up another hat trick with some great finishing, and Lewis F and Lewis D also getting on the score sheet. As well as this, Ethan grabbed his first goal for the club in a rare appearance out of the goalkeepers green, and well deserved too. A further own goal from Hampsthwaite saw the Scorchers again reach seven, and, still hungry for more - including Jack Sherwins effort from the half way line - our visitors did grab a goal of their own for all their efforts in making them two great games. Final score Scotton 7 - 1 Hampsthwaite.
The Mixed pitch saw James Hampson, Ben and James Tweed, Gus, James E, Jack, Jacob, Louis, Josh F, Harry and Harrison mix it up with 3 Hampsthwaite boys to play 7 aside. In the first game, the boys were getting used to the new arrangements and learning who was on their team and who wasn't. A touch and frenetic affair amazingly ended as a 0-0, but with some stand-out play from James England. Game 2 saw Harrison, Jacob, James E and Josh donning orange to make up a side with our visitors. With all the boys desparate for a piece of the ball it was again a frenetic game but the Scotton boys were starting to play some football. Louis in goal for Scotton had to make a great early save from a mis-directed clearance from team-mate James Tweed. Then a couple of further great saves from Louis but the deadlock was finally broken by the 'oranges' with Jacob knocking home from close range. Scotton came back strong with Ben Tweed getting stuck in together with James Hampson to push upfield. However, Josh F also in orange continued his scoring run before the break to reach half time 0-2. Straight after the break Scotton struck, with Ben continuing his 100% effort with it finally getting its reward with a great finish. However our boys in orange showed once again that the youngest of our players are now showing some great fight and potential with Jacob grabbing his second. Just on the final whistle, the ball broke to James E who took the chance to score his first goal at the club, leaving the final score Scotton 1 - 4 'Oranges'. All the boys on the MIXED pitch showed some real spirit and skill in tricky weather for them to play in. They all should be very proud of showing commitment to their club and team-mates and some great signs of progress for us to work with in training.
The MIXED pitch saw two MOTM awards, with one going to James England for some great performances and understanding of his position in both games (and for his goal) and the second for Ben Tweed, who even right at the end of the second game was still full of running, tackling and skills. On the match pitch, both for his double hat-trick and overall play, the MOTM went to Cameron Bedford. But well done to everyone - and see you all Saturday - 930am at the Cricket Pitches for training.
