After what seems like the longest winter ever, the Under 9’s arrived at Hampsthwaite with the pitch drenched in early spring sunshine. The squad was short of a couple of key players this week but Craig was still able to select a strong starting seven to kick off the first of two games with James, Callum, Wilf, Charlie, David, Jack and Cameron in goal.
Scotton started the game well, going on the attack straight away with Wilf finding Callum in a good position whose shot just went wide; James and David continued their good recent form showing excellent determination in midfield to break up the home side’s early offensive play. Callum then made a strong run into the home side’s half before the defence scrambled the ball away for a corner. This was whipped in by Wilf and met at the near post by Callum, our very own ‘fox in the box’ – 1-0 to Scotton and an excellent start to the game.
The home side quickly responded to this early set back and started to apply some attacking pressure but Wilf, David, Jack and James show great tenacity to break up play with some excellent midfield and defensive tackles. Scotton however did not sit back and defend their lead, Callum won the ball well in midfield and found Wilf whose shot cum cross went across the face of goal and out for a goal kick. David then created an excellent chance after some determined tackling, playing Charlie through who cleverly let the ball run onto Callum, who did what he does best and buried the ball in the back of the net, 2-0 to Scotton.
The home side started to get into their stride, going on the attack and forcing a corner which was cleared; David and Charlie were working tirelessly to break up play and feed the Scotton forward line and as we approached half time Cameron made his first real save from a shot at the edge of the box. There was still time for James to go on the offensive finding Charlie whose shot was well saved. The final bit of action of the first half saw Cameron deal well with an old fashioned ‘up and under’, which he cleared without any trouble. Half Time 2-0 to Scotton; and Craig made a few changes, bringing on Tom, Owen, Darren and Sam for Charlie, Wilf, Callum and Jack.
The second half started with David taking a rather painful blow to the midriff, he soon recovered and the home side started to exert some pressure; Cameron saving well from a well placed shot and the subsequent corner headed out by Tom. James and Sam then combined to win the ball as Hampsthwaite threatened to score. The home side then hit the woodwork twice, the Scotton goal leading a charmed life. The home side then forced a further three corners in quick succession which were cleared by a combination of Owen, David, Darren and James, however a goal for the home side was looking more likely and it finally came with a well worked shot which Cameron could do nothing about. 2-1 to Scotton and game on!
James tried to take the pressure off the Scotton defence with a great run and shot which just went wide; however the home side came forward again with a chance that went just wide and a shot that was well saved by Cameron. The ball went for a corner which was crossed for the home side to score an equaliser; 2-2 and the final whistle was fast approaching. The home side continued to take the game to Scotton and attempted an audacious shot from the half way line which flew over the bar. Tom then showed some good skill on the left wing, finding Darren who went close with an excellent shot.
The home side then forced another corner which was partly cleared by the Scotton defence but the ball was fired back into the box and scrambled into the net; Hampsthwaite went ahead for the first time in the game 3-2. Luke then replaced Sam as the home side carved out another chance before the final whistle went, 3-2 to the home side but credit must go to Scotton who contributed to a fantastic game of football.
The second game kicked off with Craig selecting Charlie in goal, and an outfield of Jack, Owen, Wilf, Cameron, Luke, Darren and Callum.
Hampsthwaite were quick off the mark, firing in an unstoppable shot from 15 yards to make it 1-0. The home side then applied further pressure, although Darren and Callum did well to break up play and get the ball out to ease the pressure. Jack showed some good defensive work and Charlie saved well from another shot on goal. The home side then won a succession of corners, again Charlie saved well, keeping the rampant home side at bay. Despite Darren and Callum trying to get the ball forward Hampsthwaite again turned up the pressure winning another series of corners, which were kept out by Charlie. Charlie then turned provider, finding Darren with a long kick out, the ball found Callum whose shot was well saved, and Cameron was unlucky to see his follow up go just wide.
Charlie then pulled off another two saves and Luke did well to clear after a scramble in the box; however it was only a matter of time before Hampsthwaite scored again, a fierce shot from just inside the box, 2-0 to the home side. The hosts were now on fire and Scotton whilst keeping their defensive shape were struggling to keep Hampsthwaite at bay, and after another excellent save from Charlie the ball rebounded inside the box and the shot went in the net; 3-0 to Hampsthwaite. As the game approached half time Charlie was called on to make another three saves before the fourth goal went in; 4-0 to Hampsthwaite at half time.
Craig made a few changes for the second half, Darren going in goal for Charlie and Tom, James and Sam replacing Jack, Wilf and Owen.
The second half started as the first had ended with the home side pressing for further goals, with Darren called upon to make an early save. Scotton then tried to create a chance with James, Tom and Charlie combining well. After some further pressure from Hampsthwaite, the fifth goal went in after a good shot from just inside the box. 5-0 to the home side.
Despite the pressure, Scotton didn’t let their heads drop and Callum tried to create a chance with a good move forward which went out for a corner. However this was a temporary respite and the home side scored two goals in quick succession to make it 7-0. Callum still managed to get in two shots which were well saved, whilst Tom managed to make progress down the left, winning a corner which he whipped in with pace only for the ball to be cleared.
There was still time for the home side to get another goal as the clock ticked down, 8-0 however Scotton made sure they had the last word, Tom taking on the defence with some good dribbling and finding Sam with a good ball who passed to Callum, goal! And full time with the score 8-1 to the home side; a special mention to Charlie for an inspired first half goalkeeping performance and to the rest of the team for not letting their heads drop despite the strong performance from Hampsthwaite.
