On Saturday the boys faced Hampsthwaite away. It was a perfect day for football, and the usual quagmire Hampsthwaite pitches looked like Wembley...though had a bit of a slope! As ever we ran two teams; Reds and Blacks - and in the first game the Reds lined up with James Haveron in goal, Lewis Dobson and James England in defence, Joseph Navier and Lewis Francis in mid field, with Jack Sherwin and Cameron Bedford up front.
Captain Jack Sherwin won the toss and opted to kick down the slope. The boys kept their shape and put a lot of work into closing down Hampsthwaite when they didn't have the ball and passed it around when they won possession. The pressure the boys put on the home team was unbareable and Lewis F got us off the mark, shortly followed by the 2nd from in form striker Cameron.
As the game progressed it was clear the boys had listened to the tackling training we had done the week before as every player managed to win every tackle they made! Our third goal came from a Rory Delap type goal with Joseph hurling the ball from a throw in, towards the home teams goal, which was turned in by a Hampsthwaite defender.
Lewis and James, and keeper James Haveron held the line and prevented and Hampsthwaite attacks paying off. As we gained momentum the boys began playing some really tidy football. This resulted in some really well worked moves being converted by "The Poacher" Jack Sherwin. Michael Owen would have been proud! Minutes later Captain Jack popped up at the back post for his second, ending the half 0-5 to Scotton.
The second half was a tighter affair, Scotton started strong, and after a Messi style run from Cam and a decent cross across the face of goal, the defender could only turn it in for an OG. Hampsthwaite continued to try hard and there efforts were re paid with two quick fire goals, one of which was unstoppable! 2-6 to Scotton. As the first game draw to a close Cameron, and Joshua Fewtrell worked tirelessly and the efforts paid off with Cam finishing off two chance to put his tally to 4 and finish the game off in style 2 - 8.
In our 2nd game, we changed things about and Jack went in goal to let James Haveron have a run out. The outfield line up was unchanged. The first half was tighter than in the first game and Hampsthwaite seemed to have found there shooting boots. Jack pulled off some unorthodox saves and kept a clean sheet during the first 10 minutes.. Lewis Dobson, now taking on the role of a midfielder scored the only goal of the first half and as ever celebrated in his own super cool style. 0 -1 to Scotton at half time.
Kicking up the slope in the 2nd half Lewis Francis went on a wonder dribble and slid the ball into the net doubling the score. Cam added a third to put Scotton almost out of reach. Hampsthwaite kept up the pressure and blasted a late goal past Jack who had stopped everything prior. The game ended 1 -3
Over of the other pitch - Black Squad composed of Ethan, James Hampson, Ben, Harrison, Harry, Jonathan, James and Jacob.
The first game started really well, playing down the slope with the wind, ands with some great passing, movement and tackling, the boys soon taking the lead with couple of goals from the one man goal machine Jonathan H taking Scotton into an early 2-0 lead. The pressure continued with Harrison and Ben going close to scoring before Jonathan 'fillyour boots' Haase scored his third and fourth goal before half time. After a quick break and drink the boys dominance continued in the second half, with the Red’s continuing to play well whilst working really hard uphill and some great pass and moves saw goals from Ethan and Harrison midway through the second half. Final Score – Hampsthwaite 0 – Scotton 6
In Game 2 Scotton started as they finished the first match with goals from Jonathan and Harrison early on. Hampsthwaite responded with some strong attacking, however great defending from Harry and Jacob, combined with a great save from James kept Scotton ahead 2-0 at half time. Right at the start of the second half the boys pressed forward and 2 quick goals from Ethan and Ben within a minute killed the game off. However the boys weren't done. With 2 minutes to go a quick throw from Ethan put James Hampson in on goal and he scored his first ever goal for Scotton. Seconds before the end Ethan’s strong run and strike completed his hatrick. Final Score - Hampsthwaite 0 – Scotton 6
Overall across both squads this was the best display the boys had put in since the season started. Great tackling, great team work, some great goals, some great saves...brilliant.
For the Reds, it was a pleasure to watch and the Coaches couldn't pick a winner in the first game for Player of the match so we gave everyone a collective Teamaward...treats will follow next Saturday! The Player of the match in the 2nd game (and for his unselfish work in the first game) went to James England.
For the Blacks, the boys did themselves really proud in both games, playing great football with a great attitude and effort in both games. We gave 2 MOTM in the first game to Jonathan whose goals and all round work stood out and in the second game Ethan who played with great passion, covering the whole pitch, rounded off with a hat-trick. However - as with the Reds - everyone was really on their game and played really well and with smiles on their faces in the sunshine.
Well done everyone who turned up, including the parents, and we'll see you all Saturday for training.
