Firstly apologies for the delay - a few lost notes meant some collective memory jogging to come up with the right details.
On another (very) Wintery match weekend, last Saturday saw two teams visit Percy Fields to pit their skills against the Scotton U7s. Kirkby Malzeard came with all their squads to play the Nidderdale League games. Also, to make sure all the boys got games, we arranged friendlies against Beckwithshaw - a big club that play all the way through to U16's - who played in our league in previous season and always provide a tough test.
As ever we split into two squads - Blacks, who would face Beckwithshaw (watched by Gareth Southgate - Dad of one of the Becks boys) made up of Jack s, Joseph, Cam, James Haveron, James England, Lewis D, Lewis F and Louis G.
In game 1 the two teams were very much feeling each other out having not played each other for some time. The Scorchers were looking good however, with the training pitch work on pass-and-move looking good as we played our way up the touchlines and across the width of the pitches. Half-time came and went with the Boys increasing their pressure; it was only a matter of time before one of the moves paid off. In the end ot was Lewis Dobson in the right place at the right time to break the deadlock and edge the boys ahead. The game remained well-fought but another goal was coming - with our pressure forcing an error at the back from Beckwithshaw leading to an unlucky own-goal.
Final score - Scotton 2 - 0 Beckwithshaw.
Game 2 started again with James H - after his clean sheet in game 1 - in nets. Starting as they finished with some lovely passing football, playing out from the back with Joseph or James E, to Louis or Cam in the midfield and then some great forward balls to Jack S, Lewis D or Lewis F ready to try a strike on goal. And it was that combination of play that saw the ball break to Lewis Francis who with a clean strike game but the boys ahead 1-0. Further pressure and no little skill saw Cameron find some space to grab a well deserved goal to take the match into half-time. Scotton 2 - 0 Beckwithshaw. For the second half of the last game, James Haveron stretched his legs, being replaced in goal by Louis G. However Beckwithshaw showed some grit and grabbed a goal back after a mix-up around the box and then at the other end the Becks keeper showed real ravery at Cam Bedfords feet to stop a certain Scorchers goal. However all the boys were now playing some great, passing football and with Jack S a constant threat in the box, a late cross saw a bit of panic and Becks bundled the ball into their own net. At the final whistle, the boys had won again; 3-1.
Red squad composed of Gus, Alexander, Josh F, Jacob, Harry D, Jack L, James T, Ben T, Harrison and James Hampson would be playing a much improved Kirby Malzeard who have had a half season of training since we last met at their ground and have certainly learned a few things.
The red squads first game started pretty evenly, with Scotton's youngest matching the Kirkby boys kick for kick. James T was having a great game in goal. As half-time approached, Kirkby had a throw, their No.1 (the coaches son) drifted off into space, and one-v-one James could de nothing to stop the ball - 0-1 Kirkby at half-time! A quick drink - a few words about watching their star player with the No.1 shirt and back out again. And what a difference. Almost from the restart Alexander powered through 2 or 3 Kirkby defenders to poke the ball home. 1-1. Stung into action, Kirkby broke up the other end of the field only to faced by a brave James who pulled off a great save. Back again to the other end and Alexander again used his strength and skill to strike again - the boys finally get their noses in front - 2-1. As the match was drawing to a close, Harrison again battled the ball free to move upfield toward the Kirkby goal. The ball then broke free only for Gus to find himself a bit of space, who stuck out a leg and steered the ball in off the poss to cheers from everyone. The final whistle drew to a close our spirited fightback and a final score Scotton 3 - 1 Kirkby.
Game 2 saw Kirkby come out fighting; starting again as they had the previous game with some decisive attacking and grabbing a quick goal to take the lead 0-1. However this time the Scorchers didn't have much left in the tank to stage a comeback, and Kirkby stretched further into the lead with another goal from a goalmouth scramble. A last big effort saw the boys force a scrambling save from the keeper - did it cross the line? - a generous referee game their keeper who had had a great game - the benefit of the doubt. The final whistle blew and Kirky deservedly celebrated taking the second game 0-2. Well done KM!
As mentioned, it was another cold morning down at Percy Fields, and also as ever the boys did themselves and all their watching parents proud with a great turn out - wrapped up against the cold - and a great attitude during the games. And lets not forget the performances which both as individuals and as teams were exceptional; showing that their hard work in training really does pay off. We game 3 MOTM awards. One, going to Alexander, who's goals and all round work really stood out. The second in the Reds went to Harrison who - despite being one of the clubs younger players - showed a real desire to get stuck in but also some smart thinking and growing awareness of space and positions. For the Blacks, the MOTM went to Joseph, who despite not getting on the scoresheet but being an absolute rock at the back in the midfield, breaking up countless Becks attacks and also using the ball smarty to set up a number of breaks for Cam and the other front men.
Thanks also to Michelle Haveron for 'volunteering' to wash the kits!!
We've now got a few weeks of training before our next games. We will see you all on Saturdays - 9.30am at the Cricket Club
