It was the U7's first game back after the Christmas break, and despite the Winter's best efforts we managed to play our return matches with Ripley (though playing the games at Ripley because Percy Field was waterlogged!)
Once again the weather didn't deter the boys and parents turning up on time and wearing the Scotton colours with pride. Split into two squads as ever, the Reds and The Blacks.
The Black squad lined up as Ben, Jon, Gus, Jack L, James E, James Hampson, Jacob, Josh and Harrison.
Match 1 was a frantic affair - to be expected after such a long break without playing together. Ripley were in control and Scotton were struggling to get hold of the ball. Jon was trying his best to cover every blade of grass tracking back - but this left the boys without an outlet going forward. Ripley pressure finally told just before the break - 1-0 the rockets. A few changes to personel and positions at half time saw a more equal second half. Gus, Harrison and James Hampson were battling to win the ball and find their forwards. With a little more luck and a bit more thinking about where team-mates where - Scotton could have scored with a number of break aways. The last minute saw the boys best chance to snatch an equalizer - with Jon through on keeper. However he rand it too close to the keeper rather than shoot from distance and the save was made. The final whistle went with Ripley - probably deservingly - ending 1-0 winners.
IN match 2 the boys seemed to carry with them the disappointment of not snatching the late leveler in the previous game and found themselves very quickly 2 goals down. Jack L - new goal needed a little more support from his team-mates; restarts will be something we will look at in training.
However, a quick chat at half-time seemed to help them remember what good little footballers they can be when they play for each other and really want the ball. The 2nd half was like a different game and it was one way traffic - and it was all Scotton pressure.. Jon grabbed his and squads first of the day with emphatic finish. Then ball fell to Gus who had got a second wind and was very unlucky not to stab the ball home. The boys second was a goalmouth scramble with Jon again finally forcing the ball over the line leaving the brave Ripley keeper trying her best to convince the ref it had stayed out : ) 2-2: Game on!!
As the game was coming to a close, James England went on a mazy run and had done all the hard work but this time the Rockets keeper stayed calm and blocked on the line. The final whistle came too early for the boys who I am sure would definitely have got the with just a couple more minutes. Final score : 2-2
The Red squads first match the line up was James T in goal, Alexander, Lewis D, Lewis F, Joseph, Cameron James Haveron and Jack Sherwin (returning from injury!)
During the first game there were definite signs of a 'Christmas Hangover' and the boys struggled to gain possession against a much improved Ripley side from our earlier matches in the season. Whilst match alertness may have been questionable the boys continued to battle and tried to break down a resolute Ripley defence.
Some great individual work from one of the Rockets super stars meant the home side were one up early on in the first half. This was quickly followed by an unstoppable thunderbolt (from the same player) leaving James T no chance of keeping the goal tally from doubling.
At half time the boys re grouped and began to play more as a team and not as individuals. A good passing move left Joseph with a shooting opportunity which he converted well; 2-1 with a quarter of the game still to go. Some great chances were made at both ends with Ripley converting the final chance of the game, a goal direct from a corner!! The game ended 3-1 to Ripley.
In our second game, with the boys now warmed up, they began with far more assertion. Some great efforts from Cameron, Jack and Joseph could have seen an Scotton take an early lead. The boys had certainly taken heed of the need to pass and move, and strung together a series of passes which led to an early goal by Cameron 'The hitman' Bedford. Shortly after, another great move saw Cam slide a pass through to Jack who rarely misses one on ones, 2-0. The Reds were starting to show signs of our great pre Christmas form against Tockwith and Ripley didn't have many answers.
At the other end James Haveron was between the sticks and kept an number of chances out and returned the pressure by kicking the ball well into the Rockets half. Alexander and Lewis D - suffering a bit in the bitter cold - continued to hold their defensive line which made it even more difficult for Ripleys attackers.
The boys continued to work hard and seemed to have another lease of life. Crunching tackles from Lewis F and Joseph and some great high corners from Jack almost put the game beyond Ripleys reach. However it was a lovely finish from Cameron which finished the game off 3-0 to Scotton.
Considering this was there first game back from a longer-than normal break - and it was bitterly cold - when they got going all the boys did extremely well. Continued attention and work will be needed on passing AND movement off the ball - and for our younger ones the understanding their roles in a team and also moving with the flow of the game - but what is encouraging to the coaches is the amount of effort and passion each and every player puts into every game...and that is something that can't be coached.
For Reds, the players of the match were James Tweed - for some great saves and for not letting his head go down after conceding two early goals. James Haveron - For his great attitude throughout the whole morning and fantastic goal kicks that set up some of the boys goals.
For Black, the rosette went to Gus McKenzie, who epitomised the boys performances - starting slow but when he warmed up and get his legs - and head - going, was a sensation. None of our MOTM awards today went to goalscorers - which we hope tells the boys the really important things about football with Scotton. Give your best for yourself and your team mates, have fun and keep improving by watching and listening.
Thanks also to Steve (and Mrs) Hampson for doing the kit wash this week - as ever we will be looking for another volunteer for our next games.
Really well done to you all again and see you all for training next week - 9.30am at the Cricket Club.
